Cup Dispenser Fill-Level Sensing for Timely Refill Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup dispensers are difficult to monitor for remaining cup levels due to opaque materials or built-in designs, leading to potential empty states without timely refills.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system that measures the distance within a cup dispenser to determine fill levels and sends alerts when thresholds are met, adjusting thresholds based on demand and time, and sharing data with similar nearby locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the cup dispenser body is made from opaque material or built into a wall/cabinet, then the aesthetic appearance and integration are improved, but the ability to visually inspect the fill level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary device that indirectly measures the fill level by detecting the distance to the cups through the opaque dispenser body. This mediator enables measurement without requiring visual transparency, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an electronic sensing system. Instead of requiring direct visual contact with the cups, the system uses electronic sensors to detect cup presence and calculate fill levels, eliminating the need for transparent materials.
2Device complexity
If a fixed threshold is used for refill alerts, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to varying demand patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic thresholds that automatically adjust based on time of day and historical demand patterns. Instead of a static refill threshold, the system adapts its parameters in real-time to match varying customer demand, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that monitor actual cup consumption patterns and use this information to dynamically adjust refill thresholds. This feedback mechanism enables the system to learn from historical data and optimize alert timing, achieving adaptability while maintaining automated operation.
3Reliability
If refill alerts are generated at higher fill levels during high demand periods, then the reliability of supply is improved, but the loss of time for unnecessary refills increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating refill alerts in advance of actual cup depletion, with the timing dynamically adjusted based on predicted demand. During high-demand periods, alerts are generated earlier to ensure timely refills, while during low-demand periods, alerts are delayed to avoid unnecessary interruptions, thus balancing reliability with time efficiency.
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 timely refills by reducing the likelihood of empty states while minimizing unnecessary alerts and conserving computational resources.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is coupled to the plunger and is configured to measure a distance from the plunger to a second end of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the number of cups housed within a cup dispenser includes measuring, via a first sensor coupled to a plunger, and a distance from the plunger to a second end of the dispenser body. The dispenser comprises a body configured to hold a stack of cups, a spring, and a plunger that biases the stack toward a discharge opening. The measured distance is received and used to calculate a measure of the cup count. Based on this determination, the method compares the count to a predefined threshold. If the count is below the threshold, the method transmits an alert for display on a user device. This approach enables automated monitoring of cup inventory, reducing manual checks and supporting timely replenishment.