Programmable Electronic Luggage Tag with Bistable Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic luggage tags, including those with radio frequency transponders, have not met the needs of the airline industry, as they are not reusable or integrated into baggage handling/management systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
A reusable electronic luggage tag with a bistable electronic visual display, radio receiver, processor, battery power supply, and manual input device, allowing for reprogramming of the display via external command signals, enabling integration with airline systems and providing durable, flexible, and secure identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable printed airline tags are used, then cost is reduced and simplicity is maintained, but reusability and integration with baggage handling systems are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The luggage tag is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a permanent identifier, interfaces with airline baggage handling systems through RFID technology, provides visual display capabilities, and enables reprogramming without requiring replacement. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the tag both reliable for repeated use and capable of system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical printing and disposable tags with electronic programming and RFID communication systems. The programmable display and radio frequency transponder enable digital identification and system integration, eliminating the need for physical printing and disposable components while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If permanent programmable tags are implemented, then reusability and system integration are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The luggage tag is divided into distinct functional modules: a housing unit, a display assembly, a radio frequency transponder, and a power source. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimized processes, then assembled into the final integrated unit, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining integration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the RFID transponder, display components, and circuitry are housed within a protective casing. This nesting approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing compact integration of multiple functions within a single housing unit, reducing assembly steps while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If manual input device is added for reprogramming, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual input device enables the luggage tag to reprogram itself without requiring specialized equipment or personnel. The user can directly input identification information through the manual interface, and the system automatically processes and displays the updated information, making the tag self-sufficient and easy to operate despite the added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Luggage tag has a body with one bistable electronic visual display assembly and one screen, a radio receiver and a processor configured to convert short range command signals detected by the receiver into signals suitable to modify the image on the display screen. A manually operated switch activates the receiver and processor with a battery for a short time period sufficient to receive the command signals and modify the display. The electric components are encapsulated with an RFID transponder assembly in one resiliently flexible, plastic laminate body or the transponder assembly is encapsulated in a planar, plastic laminate flap permanently attached to a separate rigid protective case housing the remaining electric components. The tag is secured to a bag with a flexible connector, under tension, to retain the tag in a fixed position always exposing the sole display screen.