Ultrasonic Container Sensor Configuration for Precise Liquid Inventory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual inventory processes for determining the remaining content in product containers, such as food and beverage bottles, are laborious, imprecise, and error-prone, particularly in commercial settings where time and resources are valuable.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device, like a container cover with a built-in ultrasonic sensor, measures the liquid level by transmitting and receiving signals to accurately determine the remaining content, using a unique identifier and configuration specific to the container type, and can be wirelessly paired with a management system for automated data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection is used to determine content remaining in containers, then no additional equipment is needed, but the process is laborious, imprecise, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device automatically performs content level measurements without requiring manual operation. The device self-configures by receiving container type information and automatically adjusting measurement parameters, eliminating the need for manual setup while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device changes its measurement parameters based on the detected container type. By receiving container type information and automatically adjusting measurement parameters, the device adapts to different container characteristics while maintaining precision across various container formats
2Productivity
If manual inventory checking is performed periodically, then no equipment cost is incurred, but time is lost and employment costs are realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inventory checking with an automated sensor-based system. The sensor device continuously or periodically measures content levels automatically, substituting human labor with electronic measurement and processing, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity through automated configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device provides continuous feedback on content levels, enabling real-time inventory management. By automatically measuring and reporting content remaining, the system eliminates the need for periodic manual checks and allows for timely replenishment decisions
3Measurement precision
If a sensor device is configured for specific container types, then measurement accuracy improves, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device performs self-configuration by automatically receiving and processing container type information. Instead of requiring manual configuration for each container type, the device autonomously adjusts its parameters based on the detected container, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions by pre-receiving container type information before measurement begins. This allows the sensor device to be pre-configured with appropriate parameters for the specific container type, ensuring measurement accuracy without requiring complex manual setup during operation
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
The sensor device provides precise and efficient measurement of the remaining content, reducing labor costs and errors, enabling automated inventory management and reordering processes.
Implementation Method 1
uses ultrasonic signals to measure the liquid level by calculating the time it takes for the signal to bounce off the liquid surface and return
Implementation Method 2
calculating the time it takes for the signal to bounce off the liquid surface and return
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes a communication transmitter configured to transmit a sensor device identifier. The sensor device includes a communication receiver configured to receive a sensor configuration associated with the sensor device identifier. The sensor device includes an interrogation signal transmitter configured to transmit an interrogation signal based at least in part on the received sensor configuration to determine an identifier associated with an amount of content included in a container engaged by the sensor device.