Measuring device for a lid for covering a container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household users face challenges in maintaining an overview of substances stored in various containers, often leading to incorrect assumptions about the availability of contents due to lack of precise information.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device for a container lid that includes sensors to detect movement and substance levels, communicating data via a network to provide accurate information about container contents, enabling efficient tracking and automatic reordering when levels are low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of container contents is implemented, then information accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs monitoring at regular intervals rather than continuously. The control unit is configured to initiate monitoring based on trigger events (lid opening/closing, motion detection) or at scheduled time intervals, allowing the measuring device to enter low-power states between measurements while still providing timely updates on container contents
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessments or predictions about container contents based on historical data and usage patterns. The control unit can estimate remaining quantities or predict when containers will be depleted, allowing accurate information provision without requiring frequent actual measurements
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated in the lid, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed as a multi-functional platform that integrates various sensing capabilities (motion sensors, content sensors for substance detection, communication units) into a single device. This universal lid can monitor different types of containers and substances using the same integrated sensor array, reducing overall system complexity despite the multiple sensors present
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into the lid structure rather than being distributed across separate devices. The motion sensor and content sensor are combined in the lid, along with processing and communication capabilities, creating an integrated monitoring system that reduces the number of separate components needed
3Loss of information
If data transmission is performed frequently, then information availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to intelligently control data transmission. The communication unit transmits data based on feedback from sensor readings and system state - sending updates when significant changes are detected (container depleted, lid opened) or when buffered data needs refreshment, rather than transmitting at fixed intervals regardless of necessity
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
Enhances user comfort by providing precise information on container contents, reducing the risk of incorrect assumptions and improving storage efficiency through automated reordering.
Implementation Method 1
The device sensor comprises a motion sensor, and the device information comprises motion data from the motion sensor
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~3a
Figure 3b~4
AI summary
A measuring device (310) for a lid (110) for covering a container (120) is described, wherein the container (120) is used for storing a substance (121). The measuring device (310) comprises at least one device sensor (112, 118) configured to provide device information regarding movement of the measuring device (310) relative to the container (120). Furthermore, the measuring device (310) comprises at least one content sensor (114) configured to detect substance sensor data relating to the substance (121) in the container (120), and at least one communication unit (117) configured to transmit data via a communication network (102).Furthermore, the measuring device (310) includes a control unit (111) which is configured, depending on the device information, to cause the content sensor (114) to acquire substance sensor data and to cause the communication unit (117) to transmit the substance sensor data and/or data derived therefrom.