Piece-Goods Storage With Embedded Sensor Assemblies for Reordering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices for piece goods lack efficient methods to track the number and type of goods, making it difficult to automate the process of recording inventory and triggering repeat orders, and often require complex systems that are costly and not suitable for retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A device with sloping floors and integrated signal transmitters and receivers, where the signal transmitters and receivers are arranged in a way to form sensor assemblies that monitor the footprint of piece goods, allowing the control system to calculate the number of identical pieces and trigger order signals when a threshold is reached, with the ability to send notifications via email or SMS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sensors are arranged on one side only, then the device structure is simplified, but the detection capability is limited and goods must be placed in immediate vicinity of the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signal transmitters and receivers into integrated sensor assemblies that are embedded within the storage device structure. Multiple sensor assemblies are distributed throughout the storage space, allowing detection of goods at various locations without requiring complex external sensor arrangements. This merging approach maintains structural simplicity while significantly improving detection capability across the entire storage volume.
2Measurement precision
If complex sensor systems are used, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and retrofitting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into multiple sections with individual sensor assemblies in each section. Each sensor assembly independently monitors its local area, providing sufficient detection precision for that zone without requiring a complex system-wide sensor network. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and easier retrofitting, as individual sensor assemblies can be installed or replaced without overhauling the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assemblies are designed to be self-contained units that can be independently installed and configured. Each assembly includes its own signal transmitter, receiver, and processing capability, allowing for simplified manufacturing and installation. This self-service design enables retrofitting of existing storage devices without requiring complex integration work or specialized manufacturing processes.
3Device complexity
If manual inventory tracking is used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and time efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assemblies continuously monitor the storage sections and provide real-time feedback to the control system about the presence and status of stored goods. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual inventory tracking while maintaining relatively simple system architecture. The control system processes sensor signals to automatically update inventory records, significantly improving productivity and time efficiency without requiring complex manual procedures.
4Device complexity
If sensors are placed only at specific locations, then device complexity is minimized, but the ability to track multiple piece goods and calculate quantities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assemblies are designed with universal functionality to detect and identify multiple types of piece goods across different storage sections. Each assembly can recognize various product characteristics and provide comprehensive inventory information. This multi-functional design allows the system to track diverse goods throughout the entire storage device using a standardized sensor platform, preventing information loss while avoiding the complexity of specialized sensors for each product type.
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 efficient tracking and ordering of piece goods by calculating the number of identical items based on signal reception, simplifying inventory management and automating the reordering process without the need for complex systems.
Implementation Method 1
signal transmitters and receivers which are arranged in a way to form sensor assemblies that monitor the footprint of piece goods
Implementation Method 2
an emitted signal from at least one signal transmitter of a first sensor assembly can be received by at least one signal receiver of a second sensor assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~3c
Figure 4a~4e
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for storing piece goods (G), in particular a rack or cabinet, comprising: at least one base (410) with an upper side, on which the piece goods can be stored in a monitored area (R), an underside and openings (315) running from the upper side to the underside; and signalling devices (21) with associated signal receivers (22), at least one type (21, 22) being arranged in the openings on the underside and a signal (S) of the signalling devices (21) being detectable by the signal receivers (22); in addition to control electronics (16) having a control system (260), the control electronics supplying current to the signalling devices (21) and the signal receivers, processing signals (S) of the signal receivers (22) and identifying said signals, in order to identify, with the aid of the presence of a signal (S) at the respective signal receiver (22), whether the monitored space (R) is occupied (BZ1, BZ2) by piece goods.