Deployable EMI Shield for RFID Isolation in Robotic Grippers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RFID shielding methods are inadequate for robotic pick-and-place environments, particularly with non-rigid packaging like polybags, as they fail to efficiently mitigate electromagnetic interference (EMI) between RFID tags and readers, leading to incorrect or delayed object selection and requiring manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A robotic gripper system with a selectively deployable and retractable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield that surrounds the wireless air interface between RFID tags and readers, adjustable in size based on the object dimensions, and deployable from a wall surrounding the robot environment, using materials like metal mesh or magnetic materials to block interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional RFID shielding hardware is used, then electromagnetic interference is blocked, but the system becomes bulky and rigid which is not suitable for non-rigid packaging environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidshielding hardware structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible RFID shielding films that can conform to non-rigid packaging surfaces such as polybags. These thin film shields maintain EMI blocking capability while adapting to flexible packaging geometries, eliminating the need for bulky rigid shielding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes cost-effective shielding materials that can be integrated into disposable packaging solutions. The shielding function is achieved through affordable materials applied to single-use packaging, reducing overall system cost and complexity compared to permanent rigid shielding installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If multiple RFID readers and tags operate in the same environment, then object identification capacity increases, but interference between readers and tags increases dramatically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject identification capacityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements localized shielding around individual RFID tags or readers rather than providing universal environmental shielding. This targeted approach creates isolated communication zones for each RFID operation, allowing multiple readers and tags to operate simultaneously in the same general environment without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the RFID operating environment into separate shielded zones, each handling one or few RFID transactions at a time. By segmenting the electromagnetic space, the system enables parallel operation of multiple RFID readers and tags while preventing cross-interference between different transaction zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If RFID shielding is implemented in robotic pick-and-place environments, then object selection accuracy improves, but system complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject selection accuracyVSAvoidshielding system requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible shielding films that can be easily applied to robotic grippers, pick-and-place tools, or packaging surfaces without requiring complex installation infrastructure. These films provide necessary EMI protection while maintaining simplicity in deployment and integration into existing robotic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs shielding solutions that are self-contained and require minimal external support structures or complex installation procedures. The shielding materials are designed to be easily applied and maintained without requiring specialized installation equipment or extensive system reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively isolates RFID tags from EMI, ensuring accurate data transmission and reducing the need for manual intervention by dynamically adjusting the shield to fit various object sizes, enhancing operational efficiency in supply chain environments.

Implementation Method 1

a shield configured to surround at least a portion of the wireless air interface... The shield may be configured to block wireless interference from entering at least a portion of the wireless air interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10812198B2Systems and methods for electromagnetic shielding and isolation during object identification

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 OCADO INNOVATION LTD

AI summary

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of robotic gripping systems, and in particular to electromagnetic shielding of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices in order to prevent unwanted wireless exchange of data between RFID tags and remote transceivers, such as a RFID readers. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the shielding is utilized within a sort station or pick-and-place environment where a robotic gripper is operating.