IBC Sensor Device Lifecycle Management via Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a comprehensive and efficient solution for remotely managing the lifecycle of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) across various phases, including production, filling, transportation, and consumption, with limited capabilities for real-time monitoring and data integration.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a sensor device coupled to the IBC, capable of determining current properties such as fill level and physical conditions, and controlling actions based on defined states, using ultrasonic sensors, movement detection, and communication with a container management network via blockchain technology for tracking and inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and monitoring components are integrated into the container to enable comprehensive lifecycle tracking, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (fill level detection, temperature monitoring, movement detection) into a single integrated sensor device that attaches to the container. This merging approach maintains comprehensive monitoring capabilities while reducing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform various monitoring tasks (ultrasonic fill level detection, temperature sensing, movement detection, RFID communication) through a single device, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of container properties is implemented, then reliability and information availability are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active monitoring phases and low-power sleep modes. The device wakes up at predetermined times to perform measurements and then returns to sleep mode, maintaining reliability through regular monitoring while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the sensor device monitors its own operational state and container conditions, then adjusts its activity schedule accordingly. When the container is in stable states, the device reduces monitoring frequency; when changes are detected, it increases activity to maintain reliability without wasteful continuous operation.
3Loss of information
If real-time data collection and communication across the supply chain is implemented, then information availability and productivity are improved, but loss of time for data processing and communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device performs measurements and prepares data for transmission during periods when the container is stationary or during low-activity phases. By preliminarily collecting and preprocessing data before communication is needed, the system reduces the time required for actual data transmission and processing when real-time information is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses RFID tags and wireless communication protocols as intermediaries to efficiently transfer data between the sensor device, container management systems, and supply chain stakeholders. This intermediary approach enables rapid data exchange without requiring direct physical connections or time-consuming manual data collection processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive lifecycle state tracking is implemented across all container phases, then adaptability and management flexibility are improved, but device complexity and information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container lifecycle is segmented into distinct phases (production, filling, transportation, consumption, cleaning, storage), with specific sensor activation patterns and monitoring parameters defined for each phase. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different lifecycle stages without requiring the entire system to operate at maximum complexity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device dynamically adjusts its operational characteristics based on the container's current lifecycle state. Different sensors are activated or deactivated depending on the phase, and monitoring frequencies are adjusted according to the specific requirements of each lifecycle stage, thereby improving adaptability while managing overall system complexity.
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 holistic, flexible, and reliable remote management of IBC lifecycles, improving tracking, inventory control, and decision-making through real-time data integration and efficient communication across the supply chain.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting sound waves into the container, and detecting sound waves from the container in response to acoustic stimulation of the container to determine the one or more properties
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for managing a lifecycle of each of a plurality of containers remotely located from one or more servers has at least a first database defining information for managing the lifecycles of the plurality containers. Each of the plurality of containers has a sensor device physically coupled thereto. The system includes one or more container management components communicatively coupled to, and remotely located from, the one or more servers, and each container management component manages, at least in part, a lifecycle of one or more of the plurality of containers based at least in part on the information defined in the first database. At least one of the one or more container management components may be included in a sensor device physically coupled to the one or more containers, and the sensor device may be in direct communication with at least one of the one or more servers.