Side-Wall Force-Sensing Container for Accurate Substance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring the amount of substances, such as ice cubes, often rely on inaccurate mechanical methods that can lead to overestimation due to uneven distribution, resulting in inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of force sensors on the side surfaces of containers, coupled with a processing circuit, allows for precise determination of substance height and amount by sensing forces exerted by the substance, enabling accurate measurement and control of substance provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical rod methods are used to detect ice cube amount, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to uneven distribution causing false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rod detection system with force sensors that measure actual force exerted by ice cubes on the storage box bottom. This substitution eliminates the uneven distribution problem because force sensors measure total weight rather than relying on ice cube contact with a mechanical rod, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining acceptable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical contact position to force magnitude. By measuring the force exerted by ice cubes on the storage box bottom rather than detecting mechanical rod displacement, the system achieves more accurate measurements that reflect the actual total amount of ice cubes regardless of their distribution pattern
2Measurement precision
If force sensors are integrated into the container, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensing components and processing circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor serves multiple functions: it measures the weight of substances in the container, detects the shape of the bottom surface, and provides data for both measurement and control operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor integrated into the container structure utilizes the container's own bottom surface as the sensing element. The sensor measures force directly through the bottom surface, eliminating the need for separate weighing mechanisms or additional structural components, thus improving precision with minimal added complexity
3Productivity
If force sensors are used to detect substance amount, then the productivity is improved through accurate measurement and control, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the force sensing function into discrete sensor elements that can be positioned at specific locations on the container. This segmentation allows for modular integration and simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling separate sensor assembly from container fabrication, thereby improving productivity while managing manufacturing precision requirements
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 measurement and automated control of substance levels, preventing overproduction and ensuring optimal substance allocation based on actual volume, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force sensor, located on the side surface, configured to sense at least one force provided by substance in a space formed by the bottom surface and the side surface
Data Source
AI summary
A container, comprising: a bottom surface; at least one side surface, surrounding the bottom surface to form a closed shape; and at least one force sensor, located on the side surface, configured to sense at least one force provided by substance in a space formed by the bottom surface and the side surface. A substance measuring system using the container is also disclosed. A substance providing system is also disclosed. By this way, force sensors can be provided in suitable locations corresponding to different requirements, to assist measuring the amount of substance or assist other operations requires substance allocating.