Sheet Dispenser Usage Tracking for Depletion Prediction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet product dispensers lack effective monitoring and feedback mechanisms to predict when the supply will be depleted, requiring manual checks and leading to potential interruptions in operation.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based controller in the sheet product dispenser records usage data, calculates a predicted depletion date, and displays this information to the operator, with optional remote facility management system integration for enhanced monitoring and maintenance scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring of sheet product supply level is used, then the dispenser structure remains simple, but operational interruptions occur when supply is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated monitoring system that continuously tracks sheet product dispensing quantity and compares it against total supply capacity. When the remaining supply falls below a predetermined threshold, the system automatically generates alerts and notifies relevant personnel, eliminating the need for manual checks and ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
2Productivity
If periodic manual checks are performed to monitor supply level, then the system remains simple to operate, but time is lost due to frequent manual inspections
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates autonomously without requiring human intervention. It automatically tracks dispensing quantity through sensors, calculates remaining supply levels, determines when thresholds are breached, and sends notifications independently. This self-service capability eliminates all manual inspection time while maintaining continuous monitoring.
3Productivity
If automated monitoring and prediction systems are implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations by tracking dispensing quantity in real-time and predicting when supply will be depleted based on current usage rates. By proactively identifying low-supply conditions before they cause operational interruptions, the system enables advance maintenance scheduling and restocking, improving productivity while keeping the controller logic relatively simple through straightforward threshold-based predictions.
Data Source
AI summary
A product dispenser includes a housing configured to receive a supply of product, a dispensing mechanism disposed and configured to dispense the product, and a controller operably coupled to the dispensing mechanism. The controller includes a processer responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processor facilitates: recording of usage data associated with the product; calculation of a usage rate of the product; and, prediction of at least one of a depletion date of the product, a time to depletion of the product, a time to near-depletion of the product, and a near-depletion date of the product.