Item storage device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interference between RFID reader waves makes it difficult to reliably read information from identification tags on stored elements, such as blood products and medication bags, complicating their state monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with drawer blocks containing second communication units positioned below the bottom of drawers, each equipped with antennas that communicate with first communication units on elements, using a control law to activate and deactivate antennas at different time intervals to minimize interference and ensure reliable data reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID readers with antennas are positioned opposite pouch locations in each drawer to read identification tags, then information reading capability is improved, but wave interference occurs between adjacent readers making reliable reading difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into multiple drawer blocks, each with its own RFID reader positioned at the bottom. This segmentation allows each reader to serve a specific drawer, reducing cross-interference while maintaining comprehensive coverage. The modular drawer block design enables independent operation and reduces the harmful wave interference effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning RFID readers at the front or side of drawers where interference is significant, the readers are positioned at the bottom of each drawer block. This dimensional change in reader placement creates better spatial separation between adjacent readers, reducing wave interference while maintaining reading capability through the drawer bottom.
2Productivity
If multiple RFID readers are positioned in close proximity to monitor each drawer, then monitoring coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to interference management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Each drawer block is designed as an independent modular unit with its own RFID reader positioned at the bottom. This segmentation creates natural isolation between monitoring zones, allowing each reader to operate semi-independently and reducing the complexity of managing interference across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom-positioned RFID readers in each drawer block automatically perform monitoring without requiring complex centralized coordination. The modular design allows each drawer block to self-manage its reading operations, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
3Ease of operation
If RFID readers are positioned at the front of drawers for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but wave interference from adjacent readers increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning RFID readers at the conventional front location of drawers for ease of access, the readers are inverted and positioned at the bottom of each drawer block. This unconventional placement reduces wave interference from adjacent readers while the transparent or RFID-transparent drawer bottom maintains operational ease by allowing readings through the bottom surface.
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 device allows reliable monitoring of element states and occupancy without interference, reducing clutter and simplifying installation and maintenance, while being adaptable to various environments.
Implementation Method 1
Each second communication unit 44 is capable of emitting radio frequency waves
Implementation Method 2
The radiation field of each antenna covers at least: location 58 opposite the second communication unit 44 of said antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (22) for storing elements (12), each element (12) comprising a first wireless communication unit, the device (22) comprising at least two drawer units (30) each comprising: a drawer comprising a bottom defining at least one location for receiving an element (12); for each location, at least one second wireless communication unit comprising an antenna having a radiation-zone field, each antenna having a first state in which said antenna is activated and a second state in which said antenna is deactivated; and a data-processing unit able to control the activation and deactivation of the antenna of each second communication unit according to a control law.