Storage container with inventory control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inventory management systems are complex, expensive, and inefficient, often requiring custom hardware and software, and lack effective user identification, leading to misuse and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A storage container system with a verification component, cameras for user and item monitoring, and a controller to record interactions, using biometric or multi-factor authentication, and wireless scanning for accurate tracking and access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If open area storage is used for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance increases due to misuse or loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to suppliesVSAvoidmisuse or loss of inventory

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual tracking and physical security controls with an automated electronic system using RFID tags, sensors, and a controller to monitor inventory levels and user access, eliminating the need for open area storage while maintaining ease of access through automated verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service inventory management where users can access items through automated verification of their identification and authorization, with the system automatically tracking removals and monitoring inventory levels without requiring manual intervention from administrators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of substance

If secure area storage is used to prevent misuse, then loss of substance decreases, but ease of operation worsens due to access control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisuse or loss of inventoryVSAvoidaccess to inventory

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual security checks and physical access controls with an automated electronic verification system using RFID tags, biometric sensors, or card readers that automatically verify user identification and authorization, maintaining security while eliminating manual inconveniences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary verification of user identification and authorization before granting access to inventory, automatically checking credentials and permissions in advance to ensure security requirements are met before items can be accessed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If existing automated inventory systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional integrated system where a single controller performs inventory monitoring, user verification, access control, and data management functions, eliminating the need for separate complex systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining productivity improvements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses RFID tags and wireless communication to create digital copies and representations of physical inventory items and user credentials, enabling automated tracking and verification without requiring complex physical tagging or manual data entry systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10504059B2Storage container with inventory control

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 3 STRIKE

AI summary

Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.