Inductive Sensor Counter for Receptacle Article Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counting devices for receptacles lack precision and accuracy in tracking objects dispensed or remaining, especially when dealing with varied materials and are affected by ambient conditions, requiring direct contact and being specific to particular types of materials.
Innovation Solution
A counter system using an inductive sensor with an LC circuit and digital converter to measure displacement of a conductive target relative to the sensor, coupled with a processor for calculating the quantity of objects dispensed, and incorporating temperature compensation to maintain accuracy across different materials and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct contact between contained material and electrical sensor elements is used, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision and accuracy are insufficient and ambient condition changes adversely affect measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between material and sensor with an inductive sensing system. The inductive sensor detects changes in inductance caused by the proximity of conductive articles, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining measurement capability. This substitution resolves the contradiction by enabling non-contact measurement that is not adversely affected by ambient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inductive coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the articles and the sensor. The inductive sensor measures changes in magnetic field coupling caused by article proximity, rather than requiring direct contact. This intermediary approach allows accurate measurement while isolating the sensor from adverse ambient effects.
2Measurement precision
If counting devices are specifically constructed for a particular type of material, then measurement can be performed, but adaptability to measure various different types of materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal inductive sensing system that can measure various types of conductive articles without requiring device-specific construction for each material type. The inductive sensor detects articles based on their conductive properties and proximity-induced inductance changes, enabling the same device to accurately count different materials (pills, capsules, coins, etc.) while maintaining measurement precision.
3Productivity
If existing sensor systems are used, then counting function can be provided, but device complexity increases without achieving sufficient precision and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical contact-based sensor systems with a simpler inductive sensing mechanism. The inductive sensor uses electromagnetic field coupling to detect article proximity, eliminating complex mechanical contact systems while achieving superior precision and accuracy for the counting function.
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
The system achieves precise and accurate counting of objects with sub-micron resolution and minimal temperature-induced errors, enabling effective tracking of objects in various applications without requiring direct contact or specific material configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive sensor that is configured to measure a displacement of the target relative to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for measuring articles contained within and/or dispensed from a receptacle. The present invention incorporates a counter device that measures the displacement of a conductive target relative to an LC circuit using an inductance-to-digital converter. In operation, a change in weight of articles in a receptacle will displace or deform a conductive target relative to the position of the LC circuit and, as such, it will create a measurable differential relating to inductance. Based on the measured differential, the number of articles (e.g., pills) within and/or taken from the receptacle is determined using a processor. In accordance with a further aspect, the counter is configured to compensate for a temperature-dependent variation in the measured electrical parameter algorithmically using the processor and/or through the particular configuration of the receptacle components.