Drawer for storing piece goods, a storage device with a drawer and associated method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices for piece goods lack a space-efficient and adaptable solution for detecting the presence of goods, as they often require vertically acting sensors that occupy more space and are not easily adaptable for variable room division.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensor assemblies on the sides or separating elements of storage devices, with signal transmitters and receivers arranged on the outer surfaces, and a data bus system for control and power supply, allowing for flexible and efficient detection of goods presence without the need for extensive vertical sensor arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vertically acting sensors are used for detecting piece goods, then detection function is achieved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical sensor arrangement to horizontal integration by embedding sensor assemblies within the planar structure of drawer sides or separating elements. This dimensional reconfiguration allows sensors to detect goods presence horizontally rather than vertically, significantly reducing the vertical space requirement while maintaining effective detection coverage throughout the drawer volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assemblies are nested within recesses formed in the drawer sides or separating elements, allowing the sensors to be integrated into the existing drawer structure rather than adding external components. This nesting approach embeds the detection function within the drawer's own volume, minimizing additional space consumption.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed sensor arrangements are used, then detection stability is achieved, but adaptability to variable room division is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of drawer interiors by allowing separating elements to be inserted or removed at different positions, with sensor assemblies integrated into these movable elements. This dynamic arrangement maintains stable detection functionality while adapting to varying storage requirements and room divisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assemblies integrated into separating elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural division for room variable space organization while simultaneously performing goods presence detection. This multi-functionality allows the same component to adapt to different drawer configurations while maintaining stable detection capabilities across all configurations.
3Volume of moving object
If sensor assemblies are integrated into drawer sides or separating elements, then space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural function of drawer sides and separating elements with the detection function by integrating sensor assemblies directly into these components. This consolidation combines what would traditionally be separate systems (structural elements and sensors) into unified components, improving space efficiency while managing complexity through functional integration rather than addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer structure itself provides the mounting framework and housing for sensor assemblies through integrated recesses, eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting structures. The drawer sides and separating elements serve their structural purpose while simultaneously providing the platform for detection functionality, reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables space-saving storage with variable room division and efficient detection of piece goods, reducing the overall size and complexity of the storage system while maintaining effective inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting diode arranged under the respective compartment radiating through a hole in the respective compartment into the light sensor of the compartment arranged above
Implementation Method 2
A sensor designed as a reflex light barrier is located at the bottom of a recess and comprises a light transmitter and a receiver arranged in the immediate vicinity. Depending on whether a tool is in the recess or not, the emitted light is reflected or not
Data Source
Figure 1~3c
Figure 4a~4e
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a drawer (501), with a monitored area (R), for storing piece goods (G), comprising a base (410) and four lateral walls (510) and at least one separation element (330) which is parallel to the lateral walls (510) such that at least two sub-areas (TB) are formed. At least one sub-area (TB) comprises on at least two opposing sides, at least one sensor assembly (100) having a plurality of signalling devices (21) and/or signal receivers (22), respectively control electronics (16) for supplying current, for controlling and/or processing signals (S). A signal (S) of the signalling devices (21) of the sensor assembly (100) can be detected by a plurality of signal receivers (22) of the opposite sensor assembly (100) and the at least one separation element (330) can be positioned approximately parallel to the direction of the signal (S) between signalling devices and signal receivers.