Product identification system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dispensers for consumable products often malfunction or provide suboptimal performance when loaded with products not designed for them, due to differences in roll length and diameter, leading to poor dispensing quality and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system equipped with sensors to measure the length and radial dimensions of rolled products, determining the product type and preventing unauthorized dispensing, which includes a first sensor for length measurement, a second sensor for radial measurement, and a processing device to identify the product based on these parameters, and optionally a motor to prevent unauthorized dispensing and a transceiver for alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If products with different roll length and diameter are dispensed in a dispenser, then the dispenser can accommodate various product types, but dispensing performance deteriorates and malfunctions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of roll dimensions (diameter and length) using sensors before dispensing operations begin. This advance detection allows the system to identify authorized product types and configure dispensing parameters accordingly, preventing malfunctions before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors dispensing operations and compares actual roll characteristics against authorized product profiles. When deviations are detected, the system provides feedback to adjust dispensing parameters or alert operators, ensuring consistent dispensing performance across different product types.
2Reliability
If sensors and processing devices are added to identify product types, then dispensing reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: measuring roll diameter, determining roll length, identifying authorized product types, and triggering appropriate dispensing parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically measures roll characteristics and identifies product types without requiring manual intervention. The processing device autonomously compares measured values against stored profiles and adjusts dispensing parameters, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration systems.
3Loss of information
If manual product identification and reporting is required, then inventory tracking is possible, but time loss and operational inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual visual inspection and reporting with automated optical or electromagnetic sensors that continuously measure roll dimensions. The processing device automatically tracks inventory levels and generates reports, eliminating the time-consuming manual processes while maintaining accurate information recording.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatus for determining or identifying the type of product in a dispenser based at least in part on the length of rolled product dispensed and/or the radial measurement.