Container Band Timer with Temperature Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an efficient way to track the temperature and time of stored materials, such as breastmilk or food, to ensure compliance with guidelines for safe handling and storage, leading to potential spoilage or misuse.
Innovation Solution
A device with a band or wrap that can be attached to a container, featuring a countdown timer and temperature sensor, which communicates with a remote device to alert users when storage conditions are outside recommended parameters, using inputs for customizable countdowns and displaying status through lights and alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual tracking methods are used for temperature and time, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of storage condition monitoring deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device automatically tracks temperature and time without requiring user intervention. The system self-monitors storage conditions, automatically compares readings against predefined guidelines, and generates alerts when violations occur, eliminating the need for manual tracking while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with electronic sensing and computational systems. Temperature sensors continuously monitor thermal conditions, microprocessors automatically calculate storage time, and digital communication systems transmit alerts, substituting human effort with automated electronic measurement and control.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then reliability of storage condition tracking is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device performs temperature readings and data transmissions at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The system takes measurements at predetermined time intervals, processes the data, and sends alerts only when storage condition violations are detected, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable monitoring through systematic periodic observation.
3Productivity
If automated alerting systems are added, then productivity of storage management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors storage conditions and provides immediate feedback through automated alerts when guidelines are violated. Temperature and time data are constantly compared against predefined thresholds, and the system communicates violations to users via text messages or notifications, enabling rapid response to storage issues and improving overall storage management productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures materials are handled and stored within safety guidelines by providing timely alerts and reducing waste through accurate tracking of temperature and time, allowing for safe consumption or disposal.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a band or wrap that can be attached to a container, featuring a countdown timer and temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A time and possibly a temperature device connects to a container with a band extending circumferentially around a portion of the container. The device has an input, a processor and a display permitting a countdown timer to be initiated relating to a status of goods in the container. For some embodiments, if temperature exceeds set ranges for specific times, step reductions, such as 10% or more can be deducted from the remaining time. The display can provide an indication of the status of the material in the container, and some embodiments provide for remote alerting to a remote communications device, such as a phone.