IoT Storage Container with Actuated Doors for Remote Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Internet of Things (IoT) devices lack the ability to facilitate impromptu exchanges of material objects, failing to provide personalization and emotional connection through physical gestures or the exchange of tokens, gifts, or letters, especially in spontaneous situations.
Innovation Solution
A storage container with individually operable doors and a microprocessor-controlled actuator system that allows remote operation via a server computer, enabling the controlled opening of doors to dispense articles, integrated with a cartridge container system for stackable and refillable use, and a short-range identification system for tracking and managing contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing IoT devices are used for remote communication, then digital connectivity is achieved, but the ability to exchange material objects and provide personalization through physical gestures is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical storage container with individually operable doors as an intermediary between remote users and material objects. This container serves as a mediator that enables the exchange of physical items (tokens, gifts, letters) through remote electronic commands, bridging the gap between digital connectivity and physical object exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is divided into multiple independently accessible compartments with individually operable doors. Each door can be opened separately through remote commands, allowing selective dispensing of specific items without exposing other contents. This segmentation enables precise control over material object exchange while maintaining security and personalization.
2Ease of operation
If a storage container with multiple doors is created for selective dispensing, then personalized delivery is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation of multiple doors with an automated actuator system controlled by a microprocessor. Electric actuators are integrated into the container to automatically open specific doors based on electronic commands received from remote devices, eliminating the need for physical manual operation of each door while maintaining selective dispensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container incorporates a self-service mechanism where the system automatically identifies which door(s) need to be opened based on received commands and executes the opening action without human intervention. The microprocessor-controlled actuator system autonomously performs the door opening operation, reducing complexity from the user perspective while enabling personalized selective dispensing.
3Productivity
If remote actuation of doors is implemented via microprocessor control, then on-demand dispensing is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or event-driven actuation rather than continuous operation. The microprocessor and actuators remain in low-power states until triggered by electronic commands from remote devices. When activation is needed, the system quickly executes the door opening action and returns to standby mode, minimizing overall energy consumption while maintaining on-demand dispensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses efficient electric actuators controlled by a low-power microprocessor to replace higher-energy mechanical systems. The electronic control system consumes minimal energy compared to alternative mechanical actuation methods, enabling on-demand dispensing with acceptable energy consumption levels.
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 the secure, efficient, and personalized remote dispensing of articles, allowing for on-demand or scheduled exchanges of items, enhancing interpersonal connections by incorporating physical objects into IoT interactions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more, or each, of the plurality of actuators includes a solenoid having an extendable and retractable actuating rod configured to engage the corresponding door
Implementation Method 2
one or more, or each, of the plurality of actuators includes an electromagnet configured to repel a door magnet disposed in the corresponding door
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a storage container including a base and a cartridge container attachable to the base. The cartridge container defines a plurality of internal chambers and includes a plurality of individually operable doors, each of the plurality of doors corresponding to one of the internal chambers. The storage container further includes a plurality of individually addressable actuators disposed in at least one of the base and the cartridge container, each of the plurality of actuators corresponding to one of the doors. A microprocessor is programmed or configured to receive at least one instruction from a server computer, and transmit a command, based on the at least one instruction, to actuate one of the plurality of actuators. Actuating one of the plurality of actuators causes the corresponding door to move from a closed position to an opened position. Systems and methods are provided for remote and immediate dispensing of articles.