Storage shelf for storage device with a sensor strip that can be applied to the lower side for optically detecting stock that can be stored on the upper side
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inventory management in large, diverse warehouses is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and requires many resources due to decentralized processing and frequent changes in storage locations, making it inefficient for monitoring and reordering goods.
Innovation Solution
A storage insert with a flat bearing body and optically transparent sections that accommodate a sensor strip, allowing for precise and error-resistant monitoring of inventory levels, integrated with a warehouse management system that uses sensor signals to manage stock and trigger reorders automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If decentralized manual inventory checking is used, then inventory monitoring can be performed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inventory checking with an automated optical sensing system. Sensor strips with optical sensors automatically detect the presence and quantity of goods on shelves, eliminating the need for manual counting and significantly improving inventory monitoring efficiency while reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The inventory monitoring system operates autonomously without human intervention. The sensor strips continuously self-monitor the inventory status on shelves, automatically detecting when goods are present or absent and transmitting this information to the central system, enabling the system to serve itself in monitoring inventory levels.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are integrated into shelves, then inventory monitoring precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inventory monitoring system into modular sensor strips that can be independently installed on different shelf sections. Each sensor strip is a self-contained unit with integrated optical sensors, allowing for simplified installation and maintenance while maintaining high detection accuracy across the entire shelving system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor strips as intermediary components between the shelves and the central monitoring system. These strips act as mediators that simplify the integration of optical sensors into the shelf structure, providing a standardized interface that reduces overall system complexity while enabling precise inventory detection.
3Reliability
If sensor strips are permanently fixed to shelves, then detection reliability improves, but adaptability and ease of replacement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mounting system for sensor strips that allows them to be securely fixed during operation for reliable detection, yet easily removed and replaced when needed. This dynamic approach enables the sensor strips to transition between a fixed state for optimal performance and a movable state for maintenance or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sensor strip mounting system with pre-configured attachment and detachment mechanisms that facilitate quick installation and replacement. The preliminary design of these mounting features ensures that sensor strips can be reliably fixed when installed while maintaining ease of removal for replacement or repositioning.
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 efficient, high-precision inventory monitoring and management with minimal effort, reducing labor and resource requirements while ensuring accurate tracking and reordering of goods across diverse and dynamic warehouse environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor element in the area of the at least one optically transparent section for optically detecting the presence or absence of stored goods
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a storage shelf (100) for using in a storage device (150), comprising a bearing body (102) with an upper side (104) for receiving stock (106), a lower side (108) with receiving structures (110) in a receiving region (112) for receiving a sensor strip (114) and at least one optically transparent section (116) located between the receiving region (112) and the upper side (104), and comprising the sensor strip (114) which is designed to be received in the receiving region (112) by means of the receiving structures (110) and comprises at least one sensor element in the region of the at least one optically transparent section (116). The bearing body (102) is embodied as a stamped and bent bearing plate.