Forklift Cargo Management via RFID Antenna Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cargo distribution management, it is challenging to accurately determine the carrying-in source or carrying-out destination of cargo without hydraulic pressure information of the cargo gripping mechanism, leading to potential inaccuracies in tracking and management.

Innovation Solution

A cargo management device and method that utilize antennas to detect cargo IDs transmitted by RFID tags attached to cargo, determining the carrying-in source or carrying-out destination based on detection situations by the antennas integrated into the cargo gripping mechanism of transport vehicles, without requiring hydraulic pressure information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If hydraulic pressure information is used to determine carrying-in source or carrying-out destination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetermination accuracy of carrying-in source or carrying-out destinationVSAvoidcomplexity of cargo management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/hydraulic sensing system with an electromagnetic detection system. Specifically, RFID tags attached to the cargo and reading antennas on the forklift enable identification of carrying-in sources and carrying-out destinations through electromagnetic field communication, eliminating the need for hydraulic pressure sensors and related complex measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary objects attached to the cargo. These tags serve as mediators between the cargo and the forklift's reading system, enabling indirect detection of cargo location and movement status without requiring direct mechanical or hydraulic contact sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If hydraulic pressure sensors are installed on cargo gripping mechanism, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetermination accuracy of cargo transport statusVSAvoidease of operation of transport vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hydraulic pressure sensors with RFID reading antennas integrated into the forklift's cargo gripping mechanism. This substitution eliminates complex hydraulic sensing while maintaining the ability to detect cargo transport status through electromagnetic communication with RFID tags on the cargo.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If RFID tags are attached to cargo, then productivity is improved, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of cargo identification and trackingVSAvoidaccuracy of cargo location data

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the forklift's reading system continuously detects RFID tags on cargo during transport operations. The system uses this feedback information to determine whether the cargo is being loaded or unloaded at specific locations, thereby maintaining accurate tracking data without information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables accurate determination of cargo transport origins and destinations without hydraulic pressure data, enhancing tracking and management efficiency in logistics operations.

Implementation Method 1

a cargo ID transmission device (21) attached to the container (20); determine whether or not a cargo ID transmitted from the cargo ID transmission device (21) has been detected by a first antenna (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10899540B2Cargo management device, cargo management method, and program

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 NEC CORP

AI summary

It is determined whether or not a cargo identifier (ID) transmitted from a cargo tag attached to a container has been detected by a first antenna provided in a fork, and a carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination of the cargo is determined according to a detection situation of the cargo ID.