Optical Level Sensor for Washroom Tissue Dispenser Refill Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for monitoring consumable levels in washroom dispensers often result in material wastage due to over-refilling and inflexible dispensing, and there is a need for a cost-effective and energy-efficient system that can accurately determine the level and type of consumables.
Innovation Solution
A tissue dispenser equipped with a detection device comprising processing units, communication interfaces, and sensor elements with light sources and detectors, which transmit light and detect reflected light to determine the level of tissue products accurately and communicate this information to a central server, allowing for flexible and reproducible monitoring and refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automatic dispensing is used to track consumable levels, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but material waste increases due to predefined dispensing amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring consumable levels through sensor elements and communicating this information to a central server. The server tracks actual consumption patterns and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust dispensing parameters, enabling precise control that prevents both over-refilling and stockouts, thereby reducing material waste while maintaining accurate monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static predefined dispensing amounts to dynamic dispensing parameters that adapt based on real-time monitoring data. The central server adjusts dispensing quantities according to actual consumption patterns, guest behavior, and remaining consumable levels, allowing the system to optimize between monitoring accuracy and material conservation.
2Loss of substance
If manual refilling by janitors is used, then material waste increases due to over-refilling, but system complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the sensor elements and central server automatically track consumable levels without requiring manual intervention from janitors. The system autonomously detects when refilling is needed and communicates this information, eliminating the need for complex manual monitoring protocols while reducing material waste through precise tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical refilling processes with an automated optical sensing system. Sensor elements detect consumable levels and transmit data wirelessly to a central server, substituting the mechanical action of manual inspection and refilling with an automated information-based system that reduces both material waste and operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor elements are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into multiple independent sensor elements positioned at different locations within the dispenser. Each sensor element independently monitors a specific zone, and the central server integrates these segmented measurements to achieve comprehensive and accurate consumable level detection across the entire dispenser volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor elements serve multiple functions: they detect consumable levels, identify consumable types through reflectivity analysis, and provide spatial information about remaining quantities. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high measurement precision using the same sensor elements without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
The system provides accurate, reproducible, and flexible monitoring of consumable levels, reducing waste by enabling timely refills and optimizing the availability of tissue products, thus enhancing the washroom experience and reducing inconvenience.
Implementation Method 1
The detection device is arranged to transmit light from the light source and detect reflected light in the light detector
Data Source
AI summary
A solution for detecting level of a consumable tissue product (201, 301) in a tissue dispenser (103, 106) located in a washroom. This is provided in a number of aspects such as a tissue dispenser, a method, system, and a sensor unit utilizing two sensor elements (420, 430), each arranged to measure light reflected from a reflection field located on the tissue product, reflected directly from the tissue product, or measure the absence of the tissue product. Data from the sensor elements are wirelessly transmitted to a server (901) for further handling, such as for instance notification to a janitor in charge of service of the washroom.