Dynamic Product Use Reporting for Dispenser Depletion Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring and refilling consumable product dispensers, such as hand towel dispensers, are inefficient, leading to unnecessary visits and increased costs due to unpredictable depletion predictions, as they do not accurately account for both primary and stub roll capacities and usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic product use reporting system that adjusts reporting schedules based on real-time dispensing data, incorporating both primary and stub roll capacities, and uses data processing to predict depletion dates, allowing for more accurate maintenance scheduling and reducing unnecessary refills by changing reporting frequency accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed schedule is used to check and refill dispensers, then maintenance can be performed regularly, but unnecessary visits occur when no refill is required, leading to inefficiency and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed schedule to a dynamic reporting schedule that adjusts frequency based on actual product depletion rates. The reporting interval is modified in real-time based on measured usage patterns, allowing the system to maintain reliability while optimizing maintenance productivity by visiting only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring product depletion rates and using this information to adjust future reporting schedules. The depletion rate measured during one period feeds into the calculation of the next reporting interval, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual usage patterns rather than following a predetermined schedule.
2Measurement precision
If fixed reporting intervals are used, then system operation is simple, but depletion predictions are inaccurate, resulting in either premature refills or empty dispensers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of product depletion rates during initial operation periods and uses these measurements to predict future depletion patterns. By gathering usage data in advance and analyzing trends, the system can make accurate depletion predictions without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus improving measurement precision while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reporting interval parameter dynamically based on measured depletion rates. When depletion rates are high, reporting frequency increases; when rates are low, frequency decreases. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain accurate depletion predictions across varying usage conditions without requiring a completely complex system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If frequent reporting is implemented to improve prediction accuracy, then depletion can be predicted more accurately, but unnecessary reports increase system complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the reporting interval parameter based on measured product depletion rates. When depletion is rapid, the system increases reporting frequency to maintain accurate predictions. When depletion is slow, it reduces reporting frequency to minimize communication overhead. This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between prediction accuracy and resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial monitoring intensity matched to the actual need - using more frequent reporting only when depletion patterns indicate it is necessary, and reducing monitoring intensity when it is not needed. This avoids the excessive action of maintaining high reporting frequency at all times, thereby reducing communication and processing overhead while maintaining sufficient prediction accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatus for dynamically adjusting product use reporting schedules for dispensers to increase or decrease the frequency of such reports based on expected product use such as a date the dispenser is expected to be depleted.