Storage unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for monitoring tool inventory in storage units with movable tool inserts are not suitable as they require cables to be carried along when the inserts are moved, making them unsuitable for applications where the tool inserts are arranged in drawers.
Innovation Solution
A stationary electronic monitoring system with a regular arrangement of transillumination areas and light-sensor units, where the light-sensor units are connected to a data processing system, allowing for the detection of storage units without the need for cables to be moved, using a detection carrier that remains stationary while the storage units are movable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical sensors are attached to movable tool inserts for inventory monitoring, then tool presence detection is enabled, but cables must be routed along with the movable inserts creating complexity and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching sensors to the movable drawer, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing stationary sensors in the storage unit body and making the drawer transparent to light. This allows the drawer to move freely without cables while the stationary sensors continuously monitor inventory through the transparent drawer material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an optical detection system. Light beams serve as the connection medium between the movable drawer and stationary sensors, eliminating the need for physical cable routing and allowing unrestricted drawer movement.
2Reliability
If cables are extended into the drawer for electronic monitoring, then inventory tracking is possible, but the system becomes unsuitable for drawers that open and close frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent swaps the movable and stationary components: the drawer becomes stationary in terms of its optical properties (transparent material), while the detection system remains fixed in the storage unit body. This allows the drawer to open and close freely without affecting cable routing or sensor positioning.
3Device complexity
If a stationary detection system is used with movable drawers, then cable routing is simplified, but precise alignment between storage units and sensors must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the dimension of light transmission through the drawer material. By making the drawer transparent and using optical detection, the system can monitor inventory from a different spatial dimension (through the drawer bottom) rather than requiring direct contact or precise mechanical alignment with moving parts.
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 electronic monitoring of storage units within a storage unit, ensuring the presence or absence of storage units is accurately recorded, even when the storage units are moved, by maintaining electronic components stationary and allowing storage units to be displaced, facilitating inventory management and reordering processes.
Implementation Method 1
a light-sensor unit (11) having an illumination area (7) arranged above the receiving space (5) and/or having a sensor for detecting light directed towards the receiving space (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A storage unit which comprises at least one drawer (1) having an associated drawer guide (1SF), by means of which the drawer (1) can be displaced between an open position and a closed position, the drawer (1) having a drawer base (1SB) for accommodating and storing storage units (3), by means of which an accommodating space (5) is formed, characterised in that the drawer base (1SB) has an array of transillumination regions (7), and a shelf-like detection support (9) having an array of lighting and sensor units (11) is arranged underneath the drawer base (1SB) when the drawer (1) is in the closed position, wherein a lighting and sensor unit (11) is associated with at least one transillumination region (7) so that light from the lighting unit of the lighting and sensor unit (11) can shine through the transillumination region (7) into the accommodating space (5) and a reflection of the light by a storage unit (3) in the accommodating space can be sensed by the sensor of the lighting and sensor unit (11) in order to detect a storage unit (3) on the side of the transillumination region (7) opposite the lighting and sensor unit (11).