Shelf Deflection-Based Stock Level Detection Using Laser Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers face challenges in efficiently tracking inventory levels on shelves, leading to potential sales losses due to stockouts and inefficiencies in determining product demand, which can result in wasted time and resources.
Innovation Solution
A shelving assembly with a curved product support member that deflects as products are stocked, allowing a laser device to measure the deflection and a control circuit to estimate the weight and quantity of products, providing a remote and non-invasive method for monitoring stock levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual checking of stock levels is performed, then stock levels can be determined, but time and money are wasted when stock levels are satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical measurement system. A laser device measures the distance to the product support member, and a control circuit processes this data to determine stock levels automatically, eliminating the need for manual checking while maintaining accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the shelving assembly to self-monitor its own stock levels through automated sensing and processing. The curved product support member deflects under product weight, and the laser device automatically measures this deflection to determine whether the shelf needs restocking, without requiring human intervention.
2Loss of information
If general customer count is tracked, then store traffic can be monitored, but product purchase demand remains unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical measurement (laser distance measurement) to infer product demand information indirectly through weight-based deflection measurement. This provides product-specific inventory data without requiring complex electronic tagging or scanning systems on each product.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved product support member acts as an intermediary that converts product weight into measurable deflection. The laser device measures the deflection distance, which serves as an indirect indicator of product quantity and demand, simplifying the information gathering process.
3Ease of operation
If traditional inventory monitoring is used, then stock levels can be checked, but the system is invasive and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inventory checking with automated optical sensing. The laser device continuously or periodically measures the distance to the product support member, and the control circuit automatically processes this data to determine stock levels, providing hands-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the laser device measures deflection, the control circuit processes the data, and the system can trigger alerts or notifications when restocking is needed. This continuous monitoring provides real-time feedback on inventory status without manual intervention.
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 accurate and timely monitoring of stock levels without manual intervention, reducing the likelihood of stockouts and improving inventory management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more laser devices are mounted proximate to the assembly and oriented to project a beam to the product support member to determine a distance to the product support member based on a reflection of the beam therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to provide a visual indication of a weight of products stocked on a display assembly, such as a shelf of a shelving unit. The visual indication is provided by virtue of the display assembly having a product support member that sequentially flattens as additional weight is added thereto. A laser device can be mounted proximate to the assembly and oriented to determine a distance to the product support member and a control circuit can be configured to receive the distance and analyze the distance to determine a deflection of the product support member to determine a current stock level.