Automated Dispenser Replenishment via Sensor Data Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Facilities face challenges in minimizing waste and optimizing inventory replenishment of consumable products in automated dispensers, as current practices often result in either user dissatisfaction due to empty dispensers or excessive waste from premature replacement of partially used products.

Innovation Solution

Implementing automated dispenser systems equipped with product level sensors that detect remaining consumable levels, reporting data to a management system, which analyzes usage patterns to generate order recommendations and calculate waste metrics, thereby optimizing replenishment timing and reducing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If consumable products are replaced when fifty percent consumed to ensure users never experience empty dispensers, then user experience is improved, but considerable waste and cost increase occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidconsumable product waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of consumable levels using sensors before the dispensers become empty. By monitoring levels continuously and predicting future depletion based on usage patterns, the system enables proactive replenishment ordering, allowing facilities management to restock before products run out, thus avoiding both waste from premature replacement and user dissatisfaction from empty dispensers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor consumable levels in real-time, this data is transmitted to the management system which analyzes usage patterns and provides feedback on optimal replenishment timing. This closed-loop system enables dynamic adjustment of replenishment strategies based on actual consumption rates, preventing both waste and stockouts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If manual dispensers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but facilities management lacks granular data about consumable usage for effective inventory replenishment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispenser systemVSAvoidusage data

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The management system serves multiple functions: it collects data from multiple dispensers, analyzes usage patterns, generates replenishment recommendations, and provides waste metrics. This multi-functional platform consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual tracking systems, making the added complexity worthwhile by providing comprehensive visibility into consumable usage across the entire facility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The management system acts as an intermediary between the physical dispensers and facilities management decision-makers. It collects raw sensor data from dispensers, processes this information through usage pattern analysis, and transforms it into actionable insights and recommendations, bridging the gap between simple dispenser hardware and complex inventory management needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11620614B2Detecting replenishment events and generating order recommendations

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Disclosed are systems and methods for detecting when a dispenser, or an automated dispenser system, of a consumable product is replenished. Embodiments of the disclosure are also directed to systems and methods that facilitate ordering additional inventory of a consumable product that is consumed during a time period.