Smart Device Housing for Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching IoT devices to beverage containers, such as RFID tags and Bluetooth Beacons, often compromise the integrity and functionality of the containers due to invasive techniques like welding, drilling, or chemical adhesives, which can weaken the structure, damage the stainless oxide layer, or interfere with labeling and vacuum lifting equipment.
Innovation Solution
A smart device housing with a transformable shape that securely attaches to a beverage container's domed surface using an expanding member, allowing for a locking fit without compromising the container's structure, and equipped with sensors to monitor the coupler's presence and attachment status, providing data on fill status, freshness, and inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding is used to attach RFID tags to beverage containers, then the attachment is secure and durable, but the equipment cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical welding system with a magnetic attachment system. The smart device housing contains a magnet that directly attaches to the ferromagnetic beverage container, eliminating the need for welding equipment, skilled labor, and complex assembly processes while maintaining secure and durable attachment.
2Reliability
If drilling is used to attach devices to beverage containers, then the attachment is secure, but the structural integrity and metallurgy of the container are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical drilling and fastening systems with a magnetic attachment system. The magnet in the smart device housing attaches to the ferromagnetic container body without creating holes or compromising the container's structural integrity, allowing the container to maintain its strength and metallurgical properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If chemical adhesives are used to attach devices to beverage containers, then the attachment process is simple, but the long-term performance is uncertain when exposed to cleaning chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical adhesive bonding with magnetic attachment. The magnet in the smart device housing provides a mechanical attachment mechanism that is simple to apply yet maintains high reliability when exposed to cleaning chemicals, as magnetic force is not affected by chemical environments that would degrade adhesives.
4Ease of operation
If devices are attached to the upper surface of beverage containers, then the attachment is convenient, but the labeling and vacuum lifting equipment operation are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the attachment location from the horizontal upper surface to the vertical side surface of the beverage container. This dimensional relocation allows the smart device to be attached in a position that does not obscure labeling on the top surface and does not interfere with vacuum lifting equipment that contacts the upper domed surface, while still providing convenient attachment through the ferromagnetic material.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart device for a beverage vessel having a domed surface adjacent a wall terminating at a lip, the smart device having a housing, and at least one expanding member, the at least one expanding member being one of integral to the housing, attached to the housing, or separate from the housing. The at least one expanding member may be configured to be manipulated by way of a force. The smart device housing and the expanding member being configured to fixably attach to the beverage vessel enabling a secure fit between the lip and the domed surface of the beverage vessel. The at least one expanding member may also be a lockable expanding member lockable into a deployed state. The at least one expanding member may also enable a dimension change from an initial vertical dimension to a greater locking fit dimension to provide a secure fit.