Multi-Cartridge Tablet Dispensing With Sensor-Based Quantity Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to provide users with information about the residual quantity of nutrients contained in a cartridge module mounted in a dispensing device.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device equipped with an accommodation unit, discharge unit, detection sensors, and a control unit that manages the discharge of tablets from cartridge modules, updates residual quantity information, and displays this information through an output unit, along with a user terminal that receives and outputs residual quantity information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dispensing device automatically tracks and updates residual quantity information for multiple cartridge modules, then the convenience for users is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the dispensing device automatically monitors tablet discharge counts through detection sensors, updates residual quantity information in memory chips, and notifies users when cartridges need replacement. This automation eliminates manual tracking requirements while maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where detection sensors continuously monitor tablet discharge, the control unit processes this data to update residual quantity information, and the system communicates status back to users through various notification methods. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic tracking without increasing user burden.
2Measurement precision
If detection sensors are provided for each cartridge module to count discharged tablets, then the measurement precision of residual quantity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into independent segments, with each cartridge module having its own detection sensor and memory chip for tracking. This segmentation enables precise individual monitoring while allowing modular implementation, where each cartridge operates independently with dedicated sensing and storage resources.
3Loss of information
If the system provides detailed residual quantity information for multiple cartridge modules, then the information completeness is improved, but the loss of time for processing and displaying information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously tracking and updating residual quantity information in the background before users need to check status. The control unit maintains current counts in memory chips and prepares notification data in advance, so when users query the system, information is immediately available without processing delays.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a dispensing device and user terminal for managing a cartridge module. A dispensing device according to an example includes: an accommodation unit configured to provide an internal space for accommodating a plurality of cartridge modules; a discharge unit configured to discharge tablets from each of the plurality of cartridge modules; detection sensors provided to corresponding to the plurality of cartridge module, respectively, and each configured to count the number of tablets discharged from each of the plurality of cartridge modules; and a control unit electrically connected to the electrodes of the accommodation unit, the discharge unit, and the detection sensors, and configured to control the discharge of the tablets. The control unit performs control to discharge the tablets in response to a discharge request signal, and also performs control to update residual quantity information.