Mobile RFID Inventory Bins for Automatic Item Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory tracking systems fail to accurately track items moved from shelves to movable containers or bins, particularly in environments like aircraft provisioning, leading to inaccuracies and loss of items due to manual scanning errors or lack of granular tracking.
Innovation Solution
A system using wireless devices with RFID or NFC tags in primary and secondary containers, linked via a computer network, automatically tracks items from storage to movable containers and updates inventory dynamically, ensuring proper container association and preventing unauthorized removals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual scanning is used to track items, then the system is simple to implement, but tracking accuracy deteriorates due to human error and missed scans
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-tracking of items through RFID tags that continuously transmit their location and status without requiring manual scanning. The container and items work together to automatically update inventory records, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning processes with automated RFID electromagnetic field-based tracking. This substitution eliminates the need for physical line-of-sight scanning and manual data entry, significantly improving tracking accuracy while the wireless nature of RFID keeps the system relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If fixed mounted RFID reading systems are positioned on each shelf, then tracking precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to multiple reading systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reading function from fixed shelf-mounted systems and consolidates it into mobile handheld devices. This allows a single versatile reader to serve multiple locations and containers, reducing the total number of reading systems while maintaining precise tracking capability through the container's integrated RFID infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile RFID reader is designed to be universally applicable across multiple shelves, containers, and locations. A single device can track items in storage areas, during transit in containers, and upon delivery, replacing the need for dedicated fixed readers at each location.
3Reliability
If items are manually scanned after removal from container, then system simplicity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates as scans may be missed or delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID system provides continuous automatic tracking of items from storage through container loading and during transit. The container's integrated RFID infrastructure continuously monitors item locations and status without interruption, ensuring no removals are missed while maintaining automated operation throughout the entire supply chain process.
4Productivity
If hand-held scanners are used for RFID/NFC reading, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to manual operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The container acts as an active participant in the tracking process by housing RFID readers and antennas that automatically detect and communicate item status. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual scanning operations while the mobile design keeps the system adaptable and relatively simple to deploy.
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
Ensures accurate, real-time inventory management and authentication of containers, reducing errors and enhancing security by automatically logging item movements and container locations, facilitating seamless integration with travel event logistics.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless device having a storage and affixed to a container and coupled to the communications module, and a wireless identifier associated with an item that is placed within the container
Implementation Method 2
A wireless device having a storage and affixed to a container and coupled to the communications module, and a wireless identifier associated with an item that is placed within the container
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for automatic inventory tracking such that items placed into a container/bin are automatically tracked and wherein the container/bin is moveable. The system including automatic tracking of items removed from the container/bin and automatic tracking of the container/bin. The system may further include audio/visual indications when an asset tag is validated.