Electromagnetic Shelf Repositioning for Perishable Food Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food management systems require manual effort to locate and reposition food items, which can lead to inefficiencies in consumption and disposal, especially for perishable items approaching expiration.
Innovation Solution
A system with a platform, electromagnet, and control system that repositions food items by moving tiles on a support surface, using wireless tags to indicate item quality and characteristics, and a motion system to rearrange items based on shelf life or other criteria, allowing for remote control via a smartphone app.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual location and repositioning of food items is used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to manual effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the food management system automatically detects, tracks, and repositions food items based on their expiration dates and accessibility needs, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical repositioning with an automated electromechanical system that uses motors, electromagnets, and controllers to automatically move food items, substituting human effort with automated mechanical action
2Productivity
If food items are stored without automatic repositioning, then device complexity is low, but loss of time increases due to manual searching and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively repositioning food items before they become difficult to access, automatically moving items with approaching expiration dates to more visible and accessible locations, thus preventing future retrieval difficulties
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor food item locations, expiration dates, and accessibility conditions, and this information feeds back to the control system which automatically adjusts repositioning actions to optimize retrieval efficiency
3Ease of operation
If electromagnet and motion system are added for automatic repositioning, then ease of operation improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by activating the electromagnet and motion system only when repositioning is necessary, rather than continuous operation, thus reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining automation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting electromagnet strength, motion speed, and activation timing based on the specific repositioning needs, optimizing energy consumption for each individual repositioning event rather than using fixed high-energy settings
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
Facilitates timely consumption and disposal of perishable items by automatically repositioning them for enhanced visibility and accessibility, reducing waste and manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet positioned beneath the platform; a motion system coupled to electromagnet; The control system may be configured to controllably move the electromagnet beneath the support surface and to selectively activate and deactivate the electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
a motion system coupled to electromagnet; The control system may be configured to controllably move the electromagnet beneath the support surface
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of tags, each tag being configured to communicate wirelessly with the control system and being selectively attachable to a respective object
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for repositioning objects, such as, for example, food items in a refrigerator, are provided. The systems may include a platform having a support surface upon which the objects are supported, an electromagnet positioned beneath the platform, a motion system coupled to electromagnet, and a control system electronically and/or communicatively coupled to the motion system and the electromagnet. The control system may be configured to controllably move the electromagnet beneath the support surface and to selectively activate and deactivate the electromagnet in coordination with said movement to reposition the objects. Related methods of repositioning objects are also provided.