Automated Dispensing Apparatus RFID Compartment Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated dispensing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and accurately loading articles, such as clothing, due to complex and time-consuming procedures, which can lead to errors and prolonged machine downtimes, especially when handling hundreds of compartments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating RFID tag readers connected to a control unit that associates RFID tag data with compartment positions, allowing for precise and rapid loading by moving compartments to loading positions and automatically linking article data with their locations within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual procedures are used to load articles into compartments, then the loading process can be completed, but it is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical loading procedures with an automated system that uses RFID readers to detect articles and a control unit to manage compartment loading. This substitution eliminates human error in article-compartment association while reducing the time required for loading operations through automated detection and tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service loading where the RFID readers automatically detect articles as they are placed in compartments, and the control unit automatically associates article data with compartment positions without requiring manual intervention or data entry operators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the store is divided into many compartments for organized dispensing, then article organization is improved, but access and loading complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it tracks compartment positions, associates RFID article data with compartments, manages the rotating store mechanism, and controls hatch operations. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system despite the complex compartmented structure by providing centralized intelligent management.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags act as intermediaries between the physical articles and the control system. They automatically transmit article identification data to the RFID readers, which then communicate with the control unit, eliminating the need for manual data entry and simplifying the interaction between operators and the complex compartment system.
3Measurement precision
If RFID readers are integrated at each compartment, then loading accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RFID reader functionality into the hatch mechanism, combining two functions (article detection and compartment access) into a single integrated component. This reduces the overall number of separate devices while maintaining accurate article detection at each compartment location.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID readers are positioned to detect articles as they are being loaded into compartments, performing the detection action preliminarily before the loading is complete. This ensures accurate association of article data with compartment positions from the outset, preventing errors before they occur.
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 solution speeds up and simplifies the loading process while reducing errors, ensuring accurate association of articles with compartments, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of subsequent dispensing operations.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID tag reader element (31) is provided and is connected to the control unit (18), wherein the control unit (18) is adapted to receive from the reader element data read by the reader element from an RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
An automated dispensing apparatus for the controlled dispensing of articles provided with associated RFID tags, comprises hatches (14) for opening article entry/exit zones and an internal motor-driven store (13) with shelves (15) divided up into a plurality of compartments (16) and intended to receive articles to be dispensed, upon command, through the hatches (14). The control unit (18) provided with a memory (30) intended to memorize the contents of the store and is connected to the store (13) in order to be able to operate the store so as to bring a selected compartment (16) into loading and unloading positions and allow the loading/unloading of an article inside the compartment. Inside the apparatus there is at least one RFID tag reader element (31, 131) which is connected to the control unit (18) and the control unit (18) is adapted to receive from the reader element (31, 131) data read by the reader element from an RFID tag and associate said data in the memory (30) with the compartment (16) which at that moment is close to the reader element (31, 131). A method for controlling the apparatus is also described.