Smart bottle and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baby feeding bottles lack the ability to accurately measure feeding amounts and manage feeding records anywhere and anytime, and require a nursing bottle warmer for accurate measurements, which is not always available and can be affected by uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A smart bottle equipped with sensors to measure liquid level, temperature, and inclination, along with a controller to determine feeding start and end, and a communication unit to transmit data, allowing for accurate feeding amount calculation and record management without the need for a dedicated warmer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a nursing bottle warmer is used to measure feeding amount, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the level sensor, temperature sensor, inclination sensor, heater, and controller into an integrated smart bottle system. The base unit consolidates multiple functions including weight measurement, temperature control, and data processing, eliminating the need for separate nursing bottle warmer equipment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart bottle base serves multiple functions: it weighs the bottle, heats the liquid to optimal temperature, measures inclination to detect feeding events, stores feeding records, and communicates with mobile devices. This multi-functional design replaces the specialized nursing bottle warmer with a universal device that provides comprehensive feeding management.
2Measurement precision
If a nursing bottle warmer is used to measure feeding amount, then measurement precision is improved, but portability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The smart bottle system is self-sufficient, with the bottle containing its own level sensor and the base providing autonomous weight measurement, temperature control, and data processing capabilities. The system operates independently without requiring external nursing bottle warmer equipment, enabling portability and use in any location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical nursing bottle warmer system with an electronic smart bottle system using sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless communication. This substitution enables portable, location-independent operation while maintaining accurate measurement capabilities through electronic sensing rather than mechanical weighing equipment.
3Device complexity
If level information is measured without inclination compensation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination sensor provides feedback about the bottle's orientation, which the controller uses to compensate level measurements. The system continuously monitors inclination and adjusts level calculations accordingly, ensuring accurate feeding amount measurement even when the bottle is not held perfectly vertically during feeding activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from simple vertical level distance to inclination-compensated level calculation. By incorporating inclination angle as an additional parameter and using trigonometric relationships, the system accurately determines the vertical height of liquid regardless of bottle orientation, maintaining measurement precision without excessive complexity.
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 portable measurement of feeding amounts and management of feeding records, ensuring optimal formula preparation and feeding temperatures, allowing caregivers to monitor and manage baby feeding anywhere.
Implementation Method 1
a level sensor installed in the bottle or the base, and configured to obtain level information of the liquid contained in the bottle
Implementation Method 2
the base comprises a second sensor configured to obtain temperature information of the bottle
Implementation Method 3
a third sensor configured to obtain inclination information of the bottle
Implementation Method 4
a heater configured to heat the liquid contained in the bottle
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a smart bottle and a method for controlling the smart bottle. A smart bottle comprises a bottle for containing liquid; a base formed to be combined to one side of the bottle; a first sensor installed in the bottle or the base, and configured to obtain level information of liquid contained in the bottle; a third sensor configured to obtain inclination information of the bottle; a heater configured to heat the liquid contained in the bottle; a controller configured to control operation of the heater based on the temperature information, determine a feeding start and a feeding end based on the inclination information, and modify the level information based on the inclination information; a communication unit configured to transmit the inclination information and the level information to an external device; and a battery configured to supply power to the first sensor and the base.