Cloud-Based Container Management System with RFID Code Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current container management systems lack a centralized, efficient method for identifying and controlling the correct assignment of containers to removal/filling stations, leading to potential mix-ups and errors in liquid handling processes.

Innovation Solution

A cloud-based computer system that reads electronically readable codes from containers using RFID units, ensuring correct assignment and controlling removal/filling processes by generating control commands for distributed control units, with features like real-time monitoring and error prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cloud-based computer system with RFID reading units is implemented, then container identification accuracy and assignment reliability are improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer assignment reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cloud-based computer system as an intermediary between containers and dispensing/filling stations. This centralised platform receives RFID data from reading units, performs code verification, and generates control commands, thereby improving assignment reliability while managing system complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where RFID reading units constantly monitor container codes, transmit data to the cloud system, and receive real-time control commands. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate container identification and assignment while maintaining system reliability through ongoing verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If RFID reading units are assigned to each dispensing/filling station, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time monitoring capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID reading units are designed as multi-functional components that simultaneously perform container identification, code verification, and real-time monitoring tasks. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into single devices, improving monitoring capability while managing device complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual container identification and verification processes with automated RFID reading units. This substitution eliminates mechanical interaction requirements and enables contactless, real-time monitoring, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If cloud-based data storage and evaluation is implemented, then data accessibility and traceability are improved, but data transmission requirements and network dependency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges data storage, evaluation, and processing functions into a single cloud-based computer system. This consolidation improves data accessibility and traceability by centralising all container-related information in one location, while managing network infrastructure requirements through efficient data architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If automated control commands are generated based on RFID data, then operational accuracy is improved, but automation extent and control system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational accuracyVSAvoidautomation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud-based computer system performs preliminary verification of container codes against stored reference data before generating control commands. This advance verification ensures operational accuracy by validating container identities beforehand, while managing automation complexity through structured decision-making protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures accurate and automated container management, preventing incorrect assignments, enhancing error safety, and enabling global control of container systems for efficient liquid handling and traceability.

Implementation Method 1

Each container (2) has a chip in which an electronically readable code is stored... Each head (4) incorporates an electronic reading unit in the form of an RFID reader (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3795535B1Container management system
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 AS STROMUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3795535B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3795535B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a container management system (1) comprising a number of containers (2) to which these identifying, electronically readable codes are assigned, and comprising a number of dispensing/filling stations configured to dispense a liquid from or supply it to the container (2). Electronic reading units are assigned to the dispensing/filling stations, by means of which the codes of the containers (2) can be read. Data read by the electronic reading units is transmitted to a cloud-based computer system (13), which is configured for storing and evaluating the data.