Device for feeding products and method for recording a stock of products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product feeding devices require high structural and energy expenditures for continuous inventory monitoring, necessitating a connection to a power grid.
Innovation Solution
A device with a spring-prestensioned slider equipped with a motion sensor that performs measurements only when the slider moves, using a power storage device and reducing energy consumption by minimizing continuous measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous inventory monitoring is implemented using a sensor at the rear region, then the stock of products can be continuously recorded, but the energy consumption increases and connection to a power grid is required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is activated only periodically when the slider moves to a new position, rather than continuously. The control unit triggers the sensor to record stock information only at these discrete moments when product removal occurs and the slider relocates, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining accurate inventory monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces continuous electronic monitoring with an event-triggered measurement system. The mechanical movement of the slider serves as the trigger signal for the sensor, substituting continuous power-intensive electronic surveillance with a passive mechanical-event-based activation mechanism that reduces energy requirements
2Measurement precision
If a sensor is provided at the rear region for continuous monitoring, then stock can be recorded, but the structural expenditure at individual compartments is high
Solution Approach 1:
The slider serves multiple functions: it mechanically pushes products forward during dispensing and simultaneously acts as a carrier for the sensor and control unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures at each compartment, reducing structural complexity and expenditure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensor, control unit, and power storage device onto the slider itself, combining multiple functional components into a single integrated moving assembly. This consolidation reduces the overall structural complexity at each compartment while maintaining full stock detection capability
3Measurement precision
If measurements are continuously performed to record stock, then accurate inventory data is obtained, but energy consumption is high requiring power grid connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous electronic power supply with a mechanical event-triggered system. The physical movement of the slider mechanically triggers the measurement process, eliminating the need for continuous electrical power and complex power grid connections while maintaining accurate stock recording
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational movement (slider displacement) to trigger the measurement function. The slider's natural back-and-forth motion during product dispensing automatically activates the sensor and control unit, making the system self-regulating and eliminating external power infrastructure requirements
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
The solution allows for reliable stock detection with reduced energy consumption and eliminates the need for complex wiring, enabling efficient and cost-effective inventory monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a slider pretensioned by a spring rests against one of the products and is moved in the feed direction when a product is removed
Implementation Method 2
the slider pretensioned by a spring comprises a motion sensor by means of which a movement of the slider can be detected
Implementation Method 3
The sensor for recording the stock of products preferably comprises an optical sensor which carries out a distance measurement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for feeding products, comprising a compartment for storing a plurality of products, on which compartment one or more products can be removed at a removal region, and on the side opposite the removal region a slider pretensioned by a spring rests against one of the products and is moved in the feed direction when a product is removed, wherein a sensor is provided for recording the stock of products, and a method for recording a stock of products on a compartment having a plurality of products.