Sensor Device for Container Lifecycle Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for remotely managing the lifecycle of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are not holistic, flexible, reliable, or efficient, lacking comprehensive monitoring and management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a sensor device with multiple sensors and a processing unit to monitor and manage the lifecycle of IBCs by defining various states, determining current properties, and controlling actions based on these states, using blockchain technology for secure data transmission, and implementing a deep sleep mode to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If comprehensive monitoring of container properties is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed to perform multiple monitoring functions (fill level, temperature, humidity, pressure, location, acceleration) within a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate devices for each measurement type and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing capabilities are combined into one sensor device that can simultaneously or sequentially measure various container properties, simplifying the system architecture while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of container properties is performed, then reliability and measurement precision are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active measurement phases and low-power sleep modes. The device wakes at predetermined times to perform measurements and then returns to sleep mode, maintaining monitoring reliability while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic monitoring approach ensures that useful monitoring action continues over time through repeated measurement cycles, maintaining reliability without requiring constant continuous operation that would deplete power resources
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated in the sensor device, then measurement precision and comprehensiveness are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors are activated in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The processing unit controls each sensor to operate only when needed for specific measurements, then powers them down to conserve energy, allowing comprehensive multi-property detection without sustained high power consumption
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
Enables comprehensive, flexible, and efficient remote management of IBCs, improving tracking, maintenance, and inventory management while extending sensor device lifespan through power conservation.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting sound waves into the container, and determining one or more current properties of the container may include detecting sound waves from the container in response to acoustic stimulation of the container to determine the one or more properties
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for monitoring a container includes a first sensor that detects signals indicative of a level to which a container is filled with contents, a second sensor that detects at least a first property of the container other than the level to which a container is filled with contents, and a processing unit coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, the processing unit having a first interface to communicate with the first sensor, and a second interface to communicate with the second sensor. The sensor device monitors the level and the at least a first property of the container. The sensor device may be physically coupled to the container. The sensor device may further include an ultrasonic sensor controller that processes signals detected by the first sensor to determine the level to which the container may be filled with the contents.