Shelf Mat Force Sensing for Automated Product Identification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current product identification systems on shelves lack efficient methods to accurately identify the presence and type of products based on force distribution, often requiring complex and inflexible solutions that do not adapt to varying product sizes and surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer mat system with a force sensing layer and a conforming layer that can deform to sense product placement, integrated with flexible electronics and trimmable design, allowing for accurate product identification and inventory management across different surfaces and sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a multi-layer mat with conforming layer is used to sense force distribution, then product identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct identification accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mat is divided into multiple functional layers: a conforming layer that deforms to match product surfaces, a force sensing layer that detects pressure distribution, and a rigid support layer that maintains structural integrity. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, improving measurement precision while keeping the overall device manageable through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The force sensing layer is embedded within the conforming layer, creating a nested structure where the sensing elements are integrated into the deformable material. This nesting allows the sensing functionality to be incorporated without adding significant external complexity, as the sensing layer becomes part of the conforming layer's structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the mat is designed to be trimmable and dimensionally configurable, then adaptability to different surfaces is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different surfacesVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mat is designed with trimmable edges and flexible dimensions that can be adjusted after manufacturing to fit different shelf configurations and product sizes. This dynamic configurability allows the same base mat design to adapt to various surfaces and applications, improving versatility while the initial manufacturing maintains standard precision for the base dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mat's physical parameters including length, width, and layer thickness can be modified through trimming and configuration to match different installation requirements. This parameter adjustability allows a single manufacturing process to produce mats that can be customized for different surfaces, balancing manufacturing precision with field adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If integrated electronics are embedded in the mat, then automation of product detection is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of product detectionVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic sensing elements are merged with the conforming layer during the manufacturing process, creating an integrated structure where the electronics and mechanical layer are formed together. This merging reduces the need for separate assembly steps and simplifies manufacturing, while still achieving automated product detection through the integrated sensing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mat incorporates self-powered or self-configuring electronic elements that automatically activate and calibrate when the mat is installed and deformed by products. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual configuration and testing during manufacturing, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining high automation in product detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The system effectively identifies product presence and type by sensing force distribution, enabling efficient inventory management, theft prevention, and planogram compliance, while being adaptable to various surfaces and sizes through its flexible and trimmable design.

Implementation Method 1

The mat comprises at least a force sensing layer arrangement and a conforming layer configured to locally deform in response to one or more product(s) being placed on the shelf

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force