Removable Consumable Reservoir With Optical ID for Resource Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physical resource consuming appliances, such as laundry treating machines and refrigerators, lack efficient systems for determining the presence and characteristics of consumable resources like detergents or water, leading to suboptimal operation and potential misuse of resources.
Innovation Solution
A removable component with a reservoir and optically encoded patterns at different depths, allowing for the determination of resource presence and characteristics through illumination and reflectance analysis, enabling precise control of resource dispensing and usage within the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional resource detection methods are used in physical resource consuming appliances, then the system structure remains simple, but the ability to accurately determine resource presence and characteristics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the removable component with optically encoded patterns) that mediates between the resource and the detection system. This component contains encoded information about resource presence and characteristics, allowing the appliance to accurately determine resource status without requiring complex direct detection mechanisms. The optical patterns serve as an information carrier that bridges the gap between simple structure and accurate detection.
2Reliability
If no resource identification system is implemented, then the appliance structure remains simple, but optimal operation and prevention of misuse cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encoding resource identification information in the removable component before it is inserted into the appliance. The optically encoded patterns are prepared in advance, containing all necessary information about the resource. When the component is inserted, the appliance can immediately read and process this pre-prepared information, enabling reliable operation control without requiring complex real-time analysis systems.
3Ease of operation
If manual resource information input is used, then the system remains simple, but user convenience and accuracy of resource characterization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the removable component to automatically provide its own identification information through optical patterns. When inserted into the appliance, the component self-identifies its contents and characteristics without requiring user input. The appliance's optical reader automatically detects and processes this information, eliminating the need for manual entry while ensuring accurate resource characterization. This resolves the contradiction by making the system both convenient (automatic detection) and accurate (encoded information).
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 ensures optimal operation by accurately determining resource levels and types, preventing misuse, and enhancing the efficiency and performance of physical resource consuming appliances.
Implementation Method 1
the composite structure having optically encoded patterns at first and second depths in the composite structure... allowing for the determination of resource presence and characteristics through illumination and reflectance analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A removable component for dispensing a physical resource from a dispensing system may include a body defining a reservoir in which a physical resource may be stored, a graphic provided on the removable component having information, and a composite structure formed by the patterned graphic, the body, and the reservoir.