Sensor system for a display rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for display racks face challenges in accurately determining object type, location, and weight due to limitations in weight distribution, accuracy deterioration over time, and trade-offs between weight and pattern detection, especially in high-throughput environments like supermarkets.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple shelves with sensor mats featuring a lattice of load sensors that measure total weight and binary load status changes to determine object addition or removal events, allowing for accurate weight, shape, and location determination without compromising accuracy over the sensor mat's lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a compressive material is placed on top of the sensor surface to improve weight transfer, then weight measurement accuracy is improved, but object pattern detection is blurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing functions into two separate components: the sensor mat with load sensors detects object patterns and locations, while the weighing sensor at the base measures total weight. This segmentation allows each sensor to optimize for its specific function without interference from compressive materials that would blur pattern detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The base acts as an intermediary that directly measures total weight without requiring compressive materials on the sensor mat. The weighing sensor at the base provides accurate weight measurements while the sensor mat remains free to detect patterns, resolving the contradiction between weight accuracy and pattern clarity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a matrix of sensors is used for both pattern and weight determination, then both functions can be performed, but weight accuracy deteriorates during the sensor mat's life cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates weight measurement (performed by the weighing sensor at the base) from pattern detection (performed by the sensor mat). This segmentation protects the sensor mat from excessive mechanical stress and weight-related deterioration, maintaining its accuracy for pattern detection throughout its life cycle while the base sensor handles weight measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mat can be designed as a more durable, long-lasting component optimized for pattern detection, while the weighing sensor at the base handles the mechanical stress of weight measurement. This allows the sensor mat to have extended service life without degradation from weight-related wear.
3Measurement precision
If weighing sensors are placed at wheels to detect object addition or removal, then object detection is possible, but torsional deformation impacts upon rolling over uneven terrain significantly deteriorate accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing measurement function is extracted from the mobile wheels and relocated to the stationary base. This removes the weighing sensor from the dynamic environment of rolling and torsional deformation, placing it in a stable position where accuracy is maintained throughout the display rack's operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By placing the weighing sensor at the stationary base rather than on the wheels, the system creates a more reliable, long-lasting weight measurement solution that is not subject to the deteriorating conditions of mobile sensor operation.
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 enables precise tracking of object weights, shapes, and locations, improving accuracy and durability of sensor mats, even in high-use environments, by using binary load status data from sensor mats to determine object presence and absence, thus enhancing inventory management and replenishment processes.
Implementation Method 1
each of the shelves comprises a sensor mat (5) comprising a lattice of load sensors
Implementation Method 2
the base is configured for measuring a total weight, wherein the total weight includes weights of any objects positioned on the shelves
Data Source
AI summary
A display rack comprises shelves and a base. Each shelf comprises a sensor mat comprising a lattice of load sensors. The base is configured for measuring a total weight, which includes weights of any objects positioned on the shelves. The system is configured for determining object addition or removal event data based on in time corresponding changes of: total weight measured at the base; and binary load status of multiple load sensors of a sensor mat of the display rack. A binary load status of a load sensor indicates whether the load sensor at least in part supports an object or not. The event data comprises: an object weight based on said change of total weight measured at the base; and an object support shape and an object location both based on said change of binary load status of multiple load sensors of said sensor mat of the display rack.