Beverage Crate Transponder Integration for UHF Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinks crates with UHF transponder devices face challenges in error-free bulk detection due to interference from residues and impurities, leading to inaccurate data reading during the handling of empties.
Innovation Solution
The UHF transponder device is integrated into a drinks crate with a base and side walls, positioned at least 60% of the side wall's height from the bottom, within a cavity in the side wall to minimize interference, and secured using a flexible carrier element and adhesive for protection and secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the UHF transponder device is positioned close to the bottom of the drinks crate for compact integration, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from residues and impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The transponder device is relocated from the bottom surface to the side wall of the crate, changing the spatial dimension of integration. This vertical relocation along the side wall allows the antenna to be positioned away from interfering substances while maintaining compact overall structure through optimized mounting geometry
2Ease of manufacture
If the transponder arrangement is mounted on the bottom of the crate for simple integration, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to signal interference from residues and impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall cavity acts as an intermediary space that isolates the transponder device from interfering substances. The adhesive and carrier element serve as intermediaries to securely mount the device in this intermediate position, ensuring both reliability through interference reduction and ease of manufacture through standardized mounting procedures
3Productivity
If multiple transponder devices are read simultaneously during bulk detection for increased productivity, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal interference and reading errors
Solution Approach 1:
Each transponder device is given an optimized local position on the side wall with sufficient spacing from other devices and from interfering substances. This localized optimization of each device's electromagnetic environment ensures reliable individual readings even during simultaneous bulk detection of multiple crates
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
This configuration enables error-free reading of UHF transponder devices during bulk detection, reducing interference from residues and impurities, and enhances the transparency and efficiency of the logistics chain for reusable crates.
Implementation Method 1
An RFID transponder has an antenna structure for sending and receiving data. The antenna structure can in particular be an antenna and be electrically connected to a matching network.
Implementation Method 2
The transponder arrangement is fixed in the cavity by means of an adhesive
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The beverage crate (2) comprises a bottom portion (10), sidewalls (6.1,6.2), and a transponder array (4) including a radio frequency (RF) or ultra-high frequency (UHF) transponder (16). The transponder array is integrated into a cavity formed in a sidewall such that the RF transponder is spaced apart from the bottom portion by at least 60% of the height the sidewall. The transponder array comprises a flexible support (18) mounted with the transponder. The support is shaped in such a way that it encloses the transponder receiving element of the transponder array. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a method for integrating transponder array into a beverage crate; and (2) an apparatus for integrating transponder array into a beverage crate.