Motor Power Consumption Detection for Container Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for verifying the destruction of empty containers in return devices are costly, complex, and lack reliability, with potential for fraud due to interception of containers between sensor acknowledgment and validation, and may require frequent maintenance and different verification options for various cancellation procedures, especially in compacting units with wear issues.
Innovation Solution
An empty container return device equipped with a sensor to detect electrical measurement variables of an electric motor's power consumption, determining if a predetermined cancellation criterion is met to output a cancellation process signal, indicating successful container cancellation, which can be easily installed and retrofitted, using sensors like current transformers or Hall sensors to monitor power consumption and motor activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional verification methods (force transducers, torque sensors, Hall sensors) are used to verify container destruction, then measurement precision and reliability of validation can be improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical verification systems (force transducers, torque sensors, Hall sensors) with an electrical measurement system. The sensor detects electrical parameters (current, voltage, power consumption) of the motor during container validation, eliminating the need for mechanical measurement devices while maintaining validation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation unit that processes electrical measurements from the sensor. This intermediary system translates raw electrical data into validation decisions by comparing measured values against predetermined criteria, simplifying the overall verification process without compromising accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If conventional verification methods are installed in the immediate contamination zone, then measurement precision is improved, but maintenance requirements and operational disruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensors that require physical access in the contamination zone with an electrical measurement system. The sensor can be positioned externally and detect electrical parameters through the motor's power consumption, eliminating the need to install measurement devices in the contamination zone and thereby reducing maintenance requirements.
3Measurement precision
If different verification methods are implemented for different invalidation processes, then measurement precision for specific container types is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal verification system that uses a single sensor and evaluation unit to validate different container types (PET bottles, cans, glass bottles) through their motor power consumption characteristics. The system handles multiple container types with one unified approach, eliminating the need for different verification methods for each container type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adapts the verification system to different container types by changing the evaluation criteria for electrical measurements rather than changing the physical verification method. The same sensor and evaluation unit can distinguish between container types by analyzing variations in power consumption patterns, eliminating the need for different hardware verification methods.
4Measurement precision
If conventional verification methods are used, then initial measurement accuracy can be achieved, but long-term stability and reliability with worn compaction units deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical verification methods that are affected by wear with an electrical measurement system. By monitoring motor power consumption, the system provides consistent validation results over time regardless of mechanical wear, as electrical measurements are not influenced by the physical condition of compaction unit components.
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
This solution provides improved fraud protection and efficient operation by ensuring accurate verification of container destruction with reduced maintenance needs and adaptability across different container types, enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the return process.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect an electrical measurement representing the power consumption of the electric motor
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
In various embodiments, a returnable container device (100) is provided, comprising: a validation unit (112) configured for validating empty containers (104), wherein the validation is carried out using an electric motor (130); a sensor (134) configured to detect an electrical measurement representing the power consumption of the electric motor (130); and a detection device (118) configured to determine whether a predetermined validation criterion is met for the detected electrical measurement and to output a validation process output signal (154) when the predetermined validation criterion is met, wherein the validation process output signal (154) indicates that the validation of an empty container has taken place.