Shelf system and associated methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining shelves stocked with the correct number of objects and ensuring they are placed on the proper shelves is a time-consuming and error-prone process.
Innovation Solution
A shelf system equipped with two pairs of sensors below a base member that detect changes in weight due to torque applied by objects, allowing the system to estimate object location and determine if objects are on the correct shelf and in the proper location, and alert for restocking or repositioning as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and restocking of shelves is performed, then inventory control can be maintained, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system performs self-monitoring of object placement and inventory status using sensors that automatically detect when objects are placed on shelves and when shelves need restocking, eliminating the need for manual inspection and reducing human error in inventory management
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback about object placement accuracy and inventory status through sensors that continuously monitor the shelves and communicate with a central computing system, enabling immediate detection and correction of placement errors and timely restocking notifications
2Measurement precision
If sensors are added to detect object placement, then placement accuracy can be monitored, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex manual inspection processes with simple torque-based sensor measurements, using the natural physical effect of object weight creating torque on the shelf to trigger sensor detection, thereby achieving precise placement monitoring with relatively simple sensor technology
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensor pairs positioned at different locations on the shelf, with each sensor pair independently detecting torque from objects in its specific zone, allowing the system to determine both presence and location of objects through distributed sensing
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
Automatically identifies object placement accuracy and alerts for restocking or repositioning, reducing human error and increasing efficiency in inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
the physical object applies a torque on the vertical member and each of the sensors in the first and second pair of sensors output electrical signals corresponding to a change in weight sensed by each of the sensors based on the torque
Data Source
AI summary
An example shelf system and associated methods are described. The shelf system includes a frame with a base member and a vertical member, first and second shelves extending from opposite sides of the vertical member, and first and second pairs of sensors disposed below the base member. In response to positioning a physical object on the first shelf or the second shelf, the physical object applies a torque on the vertical member and each of the sensors output electrical signals corresponding to a change in weight sensed by each of the sensors based on the torque. The shelf system includes a central computing system configured to determine which of the first shelf or the second shelf received the physical object, an estimated location of the physical object on the first or second shelf, and whether the physical object is positioned on the first or second shelf in an expected location.