Motion-Triggered Data Collection for Low-Power Product Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dispensers for consumer products like tissue or sheet products often require electrical systems for data collection, which consume power and necessitate frequent battery replacements due to limited battery capacity, leading to increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses motion sensors to trigger the data collection system only during dispense events, keeping it in a low-power state otherwise, thereby reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the data collection system operates continuously to monitor product usage, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy by stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data collection system operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the measurement device only during dispense events detected by motion sensors, and enters low-power mode during idle periods. This periodic operation maintains measurement precision when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption of the stationary dispenser system.
2Reliability
If the data collection system operates continuously, then reliability of data collection is improved, but duration of action of stationary object decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic activation based on dispense events rather than continuous operation. Motion sensors detect when product is being dispensed and trigger the measurement device only during these events. This maintains reliable data collection for all dispense occurrences while extending battery lifespan by keeping the system in low-power mode during idle periods between dispenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser system automatically activates the data collection components only when needed through motion-triggered detection. The system self-regulates its power consumption by entering low-power mode during idle periods and automatically waking up for dispense events, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring and extending operational duration without manual intervention.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If motion sensors are used to trigger data collection, then use of energy by stationary object is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensors serve multiple functions: they detect user presence, trigger the data collection system, and can potentially monitor dispenser usage patterns. By making the motion detection capability universal and multi-functional, the system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate dedicated sensors for each function, while still achieving the energy-saving benefit of selective activation.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain dual roll dispensers and methods of dispensing sheet product are provided. In one example, the method includes receiving, by the controller, a first trigger from at least one motion sensor, where the controller is in an awake state before the first trigger is received. The method includes causing, in response to the first trigger, a measurement device to enter an awake state, where the measurement device is configured to measure an amount of product dispensed by the dispenser. The method also includes receiving dispense event information associated with the amount of product dispensed during a dispense event, and storing or transmitting the dispense event information.