Multilayer Antenna Array for Cryogenic RFID Vial Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID tracking methods for biological samples stored in vials at low temperatures face challenges such as frost interference, label damage, and inability to accurately locate specific vials within a box, leading to inefficient and unreliable identification and auditing processes.
Innovation Solution
An RFID reader with an array of multilayer antennas, each with Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) to compensate for varying distances and optimize resonance, allowing for precise and efficient reading of RFID tags on vials in various configurations, including 10x10 and 13x13 arrays, without warming the samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical barcode readers are used to identify vials, then identification can be performed, but frost blocks or diffracts the light making reading impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical barcode reading systems with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. Instead of using light to read barcodes on vials, the system uses electromagnetic fields to communicate with RFID tags attached to vials. This substitution eliminates the problem of frost blocking light, as radio waves can penetrate frost and cold conditions without being blocked or diffracted, enabling reliable identification in cryogenic storage environments.
2Reliability
If vials are removed from liquid nitrogen for reading, then identification can be performed, but samples warm up beyond acceptable temperature limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs RFID readers that can operate while vials remain in liquid nitrogen storage. The RFID system uses electromagnetic induction to power and communicate with passive RFID tags on vials without requiring physical removal or warming. The reader generates an electromagnetic field that penetrates the cold storage environment, allowing identification to occur in-situ while maintaining samples at their required cryogenic temperatures.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple vials are stored in standardized boxes, then storage efficiency is improved, but exact location of specific vials within the box cannot be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the standardized storage box into a grid system with multiple zones, and further divides each zone into quadrants. RFID readers are positioned at strategic locations to read tags in specific zones and quadrants. By segmenting the storage space and using selective reading of zones/quadrants, the system can efficiently locate specific vials within the densely packed box without requiring complete scanning of all positions, thus maintaining high storage density while enabling precise location tracking.
4Reliability
If RFID readers scan all vials in a box, then complete auditing is achieved, but time taken to read samples increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the auditing process by dividing the box into zones and quadrants. The RFID reader can selectively scan only the relevant zone and quadrant containing the target vial, rather than scanning all 100 vials in a 10x10 array. This segmented approach maintains complete auditing capability when needed while dramatically reducing search time when locating specific vials, as the reader only needs to interrogate a small subset of tags in the relevant sector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial scanning by reading only the necessary portion of the storage box rather than performing exhaustive scans of all vials. When a specific vial needs to be located, the system performs partial action by scanning only the relevant zone and quadrant containing that vial. This partial action approach achieves the required auditing completeness for the specific task while minimizing the time loss associated with scanning unnecessary areas.
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 quick and reliable identification of the exact location of each vial, reducing the time required for reading and auditing, while maintaining the samples at cryogenic temperatures by minimizing interference and frost-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
An RFID reader can be used to transmit an encoded radio signal to a tag to interrogate it. Upon receiving the interrogation signal, the RFID tag transmits its identification information to the reader.
Implementation Method 2
An array of multilayer antennas, each with Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) to compensate for varying distances and optimize resonance
Implementation Method 3
Each antenna is formed by a first coil of wire wrapped around a first cylindrical former and a second coil of wire wrapped around a second cylindrical former
Data Source
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AI summary
An RFID reader for tracking a plurality of RFID tags, the RFID reader comprising an array of multilayer antennas each multilayer antenna comprising a first coil and a second coil, the first coil being superimposed above the second coil; and an electronics unit configured to transmit a signal to and receive and process information from each multilayer antenna.