Wireless Weight Sensor Unit for Stock Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic stock or asset monitoring systems face challenges in efficiently deploying and managing large numbers of weight sensor units across multiple sites due to the onerous and time-consuming process of setting up and reconfiguring wired connections, especially when dealing with delicate electronic sensors.
Innovation Solution
A wireless weight sensor unit with a built-in processor and battery that can transmit readings autonomously, eliminating the need for physical cabling and allowing for independent deployment across various locations, using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or ultra-wide band (UWB) transmission for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used to connect electronic measurement devices, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. The weight sensor unit transmits measurement data wirelessly to remote devices, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining data transmission functionality. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing installation complexity and time requirements associated with wired connections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wired connections are used for electronic measurement devices, then stability of connection is improved, but ease of reconfiguration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces stable mechanical wired connections with wireless communication protocols. The weight sensor unit establishes and maintains stable wireless connections to remote devices without requiring physical cable management. This enables easy reconfiguration and relocation of sensors while maintaining connection stability through software-based connection management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If weight sensor units are deployed across multiple sites, then monitoring coverage is improved, but installation effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deploys wireless weight sensor units across multiple sites without requiring infrastructure installation at each location. The sensors transmit data wirelessly to remote devices, eliminating the need for cable routing and physical connection infrastructure. This dramatically reduces installation effort while enabling widespread monitoring coverage across multiple sites.
4Measurement precision
If delicate electronic sensors are handled and connected via wired connections, then measurement precision is maintained, but handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication to transmit weight measurement data from the sensor to remote devices. This eliminates the need for physical handling and connection of delicate electronic sensors, reducing handling complexity while preserving measurement precision through direct digital data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A weight sensor unit, comprises a weight sensor configured to output weight sensor readings indicative of the weight being supported thereby. A transmission device is configured to transmit wireless signals, and a processor, is coupled to the weight sensor and to the transmission device. The weight sensor unit includes a battery. The weight sensor, transmission device and processor are powered by the battery. In use, the processor is configured to receive one or more weight sensor readings output by the weight sensor, and transmit the weight sensor readings wirelessly using the transmission device. The weight sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly interact with devices placed in proximity thereto. In an embodiment, all electronic components of the weight sensor unit are powered by the battery. A dispensing unit incorporating the weight sensor unit is also disclosed.