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, camera system, and wireless scanning device that authenticates users, tracks inventory, and records interactions, allowing for secure and efficient access, removal, and replenishment of items using biometric or multi-factor authentication and wireless tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing automated inventory management systems are implemented, then inventory tracking capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory tracking capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses wireless scanners to create digital copies of inventory item data (barcodes, RFID tags) and stores them in a database. This allows the system to track inventory through data replication rather than complex physical tracking mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical inventory management systems with wireless scanning technology and electronic databases. Instead of using mechanical counters, sensors, or physical tracking devices, the system uses wireless electromagnetic signals to capture and store inventory information, significantly reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If secure areas with key personnel control are used, then inventory security is improved, but access efficiency and availability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory securityVSAvoidaccess efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service inventory system where users can independently access inventory items by scanning their own identification (employee ID, badge, or mobile device) with the wireless scanner. The system automatically verifies authorization and provides access without requiring key personnel intervention, maintaining security while dramatically improving access efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate feedback to users through the wireless scanner and display interface, indicating whether access is authorized or denied based on real-time verification of user credentials against the database. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for manual security checks while maintaining reliable access control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If open area supply storage is used, then access speed is improved, but inventory security and accountability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess speedVSAvoidinventory security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless scanning system provides immediate feedback when an item is removed from inventory, automatically recording the transaction in the database and notifying relevant personnel. This real-time feedback mechanism maintains inventory security and accountability while allowing rapid access, as users can quickly take items without manual approval while the system continuously monitors and records all movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If manual inventory tracking methods are used, then system cost is reduced, but tracking accuracy and user identification capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem costVSAvoidtracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual inventory tracking methods with wireless scanning technology that automatically captures item data through electromagnetic signals (barcodes, RFID). This substitution uses inexpensive wireless scanners and databases instead of costly manual tracking systems, achieving high tracking accuracy through automated data capture while keeping system costs low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11546525B2Storage container with inventory control

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 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, multi-factor tracking of items housed within the storage container, machine vision identification of items, among others.