Smart Material Storage Container Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for storing and managing manufacturing materials in manufacturing facilities are costly and inefficient, lacking effective access control, inventory management, and material replenishment and disposal processes.
Innovation Solution
A smart material storage container system that includes access-restricting mechanisms, interactive displays, RF readers, code readers, and sensors to manage and track manufacturing materials, allowing authorized access, correct material selection, and automated replenishment and disposal processes, with a networked server for inventory management and intelligent stock replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional storage methods are used for manufacturing materials, then storage simplicity is maintained, but access control and inventory management efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple compartments, each capable of storing different manufacturing materials. Each compartment can be independently managed and tracked, allowing for organized storage while maintaining overall system control through the processor and display interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container integrates multiple functions including access control through authorization, inventory tracking via sensors, material identification using code readers, and automated replenishment notifications. This multi-functional design improves operational efficiency while managing complexity through integrated control.
2Productivity
If manual inventory management is used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and material tracking efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect the quantity of manufacturing materials in each compartment and provide feedback to the processor. When materials fall below predetermined thresholds, the system automatically generates replenishment notifications, enabling continuous monitoring and timely restocking without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automated inventory tracking, material identification, and replenishment notifications without requiring manual counting or management. The sensors and code readers automatically detect and record material information, freeing personnel from routine inventory tasks.
3Reliability
If unauthorized access is permitted to storage containers, then ease of material retrieval is improved, but material security and usage accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires user authorization before allowing access to any compartment. The processor verifies user credentials and grants access only after proper authentication, ensuring that only authorized personnel can retrieve materials while maintaining secure control over the storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical access control is replaced with electronic authorization systems. The code readers and processors manage access permissions digitally, substituting mechanical locking mechanisms with intelligent control systems that track and record all access events.
4Loss of information
If traditional material storage without tracking is used, then storage cost is reduced, but loss of information regarding material quantity and location increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors and code readers act as intermediaries between the physical materials and the digital tracking system. These devices detect material presence, quantity, and identification information, transmitting data to the processor for centralized management and record-keeping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of material information through code reading and sensor detection. Each material's identification code is captured and stored in the system's memory, maintaining an accurate digital record that mirrors the physical inventory status without requiring physical tags or labels on each item.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for smart material storage container for manufacturing materials are described. A material storage container may receive, from a user, a manufacturing lot identifier for manufacturing a part. The material storage container may determine a manufacturing material for manufacturing the part associated with the manufacturing lot identifier. The material storage container may select, from a set of storage compartments that store different manufacturing materials, a storage compartment with the manufacturing material for withdrawal based on one or more criteria. The material storage container may indicate the storage compartment with the manufacturing material for withdrawal.