Wireless Weight Sensor Units for Flexible Stock Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic stock monitoring systems face challenges in flexibility and efficiency, particularly when dealing with large numbers of objects across multiple locations, as they often require cumbersome wired connections and are inflexible for reconfiguration, and there is a need for secure, controlled access and prolonged operation of weight sensor units and asset tags.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising wireless weight sensor units, dispensing enclosures, and portable devices that allow for flexible deployment and reconfiguration, secure access control, and prolonged operation, using wireless communication and optical signals to transmit weight readings and manage asset tracking within dispensing enclosures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used for electronic measurement devices, then system stability and reliability are improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. Weight sensor units and dispensing units communicate with the central system via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining system stability and data transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into independent modular units (weight sensor units, dispensing units, portable devices) that can be independently deployed and configured. Each unit contains its own processing capabilities and communicates wirelessly, allowing flexible installation without complex wiring infrastructure.
2Reliability
If wired connections are used for electronic measurement devices, then data transmission reliability is improved, but flexibility and reconfiguration ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static wired connections to dynamic wireless communication, allowing units to be easily moved, added, or removed from the network. The wireless architecture enables real-time reconfiguration of sensor locations and monitoring zones without physical reinstallation of cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication protocol serves multiple functions: data transmission, device identification, and system configuration. This universal communication method replaces multiple specialized wired connections, enabling a single system to handle various monitoring scenarios across different locations.
3Measurement precision
If weight sensor units operate continuously, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight sensor units perform measurements at periodic intervals rather than continuously, triggered by events such as container placement or removal. This event-driven periodic sampling maintains monitoring accuracy for critical moments while significantly reducing overall energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor units autonomously determine when measurement is necessary based on local conditions (e.g., detecting container presence, monitoring weight changes beyond threshold). This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous high-power operation while maintaining measurement precision when actually needed.
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 and flexible monitoring of stock quantities across multiple locations without the need for extensive cabling, supports secure access, and extends the operational life of weight sensor units and asset tags through energy-saving mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
transmit an optical signal using an optical transmitter; in response to receipt thereby of an optical signal, transmit a weight sensor reading
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring the presence and/or quantity of stock items in a dispensing enclosure having a cabinet controller. The system further comprises a wireless portable device and a central control computer. The wireless portable device receives (s1710) a WSU ID for a newly installed weight sensor unit, and send (s1712) a first notification message (including the WSU ID and indicating that the WSU is in the dispensing enclosure) to the central control computer. The central control computer is configured to send (s1716) a second notification message to the cabinet controller indicating that the WSU is in the dispensing enclosure. The cabinet controller transmits (s1720) a first optical signal using an optical transmitter in response to a door close signal. The WSU, in response to receipt of the first optical signal, wirelessly transmits a first weight sensor reading to the cabinet controller.