Indicator device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing apparatuses are costly to adapt for larger, infrequently used items and lack an efficient way to provide automatic stock replenishment alerts, as they are designed primarily for smaller items.
Innovation Solution
An indicator device with a base, a displaceable indicator member, and electronic tags that allow for status monitoring, enabling automatic and remote tracking of storage device conditions, and allowing for easy modification to include RFID capability without replacing the entire device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing dispensing apparatus is used for larger items, then cost is reduced, but the apparatus cannot accommodate larger infrequently used items
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator device is segmented into separate functional components: a base, a displaceable indicator member, retention means, and release means. This allows the indicator mechanism to be independently installed on existing storage facilities without replacing the entire dispensing system, enabling cost-effective adaptation for larger items.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device acts as an intermediary monitoring system that can be attached to various storage devices (racks, storage components, dispensing apparatus). This intermediary component provides stock level indication without requiring modification of the underlying storage infrastructure, enabling versatility across different storage types.
2Device complexity
If manual stock monitoring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to frequent manual checks
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator device is self-actuating through the weight-based mechanism. When stock is removed, the weight change automatically causes the indicator member to displace and show the stock level. When stock is replenished, the weight restoration automatically returns the indicator to its original position. This eliminates the need for manual intervention in the indication process while providing continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic or automated monitoring systems with a simple mechanical weight-based indication system. The indicator member's position is determined by gravitational force and weight distribution, providing automatic monitoring without requiring power sources, sensors, or complex control circuits.
3Device complexity
If visual indicator only is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information occurs without remote monitoring capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two monitoring approaches: visual indication (for on-site observation) and electronic/RFID tagging (for remote monitoring). The indicator device can be equipped with electronic tags that provide machine-readable information about stock levels, combining simple mechanical indication with digital information capabilities to eliminate information loss.
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 cost-effective monitoring and alerting of stock levels for a wide range of storage devices, including larger items, using electronic tags to provide visual and remote status updates, and allows for easy upgrade to RFID capability without replacing the device.
Implementation Method 1
the first indicator member moves towards the second position under its own weight on release of the retention means
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2~3
Figure 4(a)~4(c)
AI summary
An indicator device (D) comprises a base (10, 12) and a first indicator member (30) slidably mounted in a window (28) in the base between a first position indicative of a first condition or status of the device and a second position indicative of a second condition or status of the device. A releasable retention means, e.g. in the form of a pawl or catch (40), is mounted on the base, for retaining the first indicator member (28) in the first position and release means (48) are operable from outside the base for releasing the retention means, wherein the first indicator member (30) moves toward the second position on the release of the retention means (40). A second indicator member (28) may also be slidably mounted in the window (28) and is movable manually from a concealed position to a deployed position in which it extends partly across the front face of the first indicator member (30) when in its second position, as an indication that the first indicator member (30) has been observed in its second position.