Empties Return Device External Control Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing empties return devices with integrated process control systems are costly, making them uneconomical for small businesses like gas stations, convenience stores, and canteens due to high acquisition costs.
Innovation Solution
An empties return device without an internal process control device, instead using an external computer or cash register system via an interface for data exchange and control, allowing the external system to handle sensor evaluations and transport device control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an integrated process control device is included in the empties return device, then the device can independently evaluate sensor data and control transport operations, but the manufacturing cost and acquisition cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The process control device is extracted from the empties return device and placed in an external computer system. The return device retains only the necessary hardware components (sensor, transport device, interface) while delegating the complex evaluation and control functions to the external system, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The external computer system is designed to perform multiple functions including cash register operations, inventory management, and process control for the empties return device. By utilizing an existing multi-functional system, the patent avoids the need for a dedicated, expensive process control unit while maintaining full automated functionality.
2Extent of automation
If an integrated process control device is included in the empties return device, then the device can autonomously determine deposit values and control transport, but the device complexity and system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex process control functionality is extracted from the return device and relocated to an external computer system that already exists in the business environment. This extraction reduces the complexity of the return device itself while maintaining autonomous control capability through the external system.
Solution Approach 2:
The process control functions are merged with the existing cash register or computer system that is already present in most businesses. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate, complex process control unit and integrates the empties return functionality into an existing infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If an external process control device is used instead of an integrated one, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the device requires an interface for data exchange and external computer availability
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized interface is introduced as an intermediary between the simplified return device and the external computer system. This interface handles all data exchange and communication protocols, allowing the return device to remain simple while maintaining full connectivity and functionality with the external control system.
Data Source
AI summary
The empties retraction device has a sensor for detecting a characteristic property of an empty container. A transport unit supplies the empty container based on intake in empties retraction automatic unit of the sensor. An independent claim is also included for an empties retraction-cash box-system with a computer.