Radio frequency identification techniques in an ultra-low temperature environment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RFID systems in ultra-low temperature (ULT) cold-storage devices face challenges in accurately detecting a high density of RFID-tagged items due to accuracy limitations and require extensive user intervention, leading to inventory control errors and logistical issues.

Innovation Solution

A cold-storage apparatus equipped with a plurality of circularly polarized RFID antenna elements and a controller that can individually control each antenna element, optimized to operate between -70°C to -90°C, allowing for efficient scanning of RFID tags without user intervention by activating one element at a time and using mechanical tuning structures to maintain performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual RFID reading is performed by users to track inventory, then inventory tracking capability is achieved, but labor intensity increases and human errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory tracking accuracyVSAvoiduser intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID system performs automatic inventory tracking without requiring user intervention. The RFID reader continuously scans tags on items as they are placed in or removed from storage locations, automatically updating inventory records without manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of users scanning RFID tags is replaced with an automated electronic RFID reading system that continuously monitors inventory levels and updates databases automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If RFID reader antennas are installed in ULT cold-storage devices to detect items, then automated detection capability is achieved, but detection accuracy of high density RFID-tagged items deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated item detectionVSAvoidRFID tag detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID antenna system is divided into multiple individual antenna elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to scan items on each shelf individually, preventing signal interference and improving detection accuracy in high-density storage environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each antenna element is optimized for its specific scanning zone, with individual control allowing localized adjustment of scanning parameters to match the specific conditions of each shelf or storage location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If conventional RFID antennas are used in ULT environment, then basic RFID functionality is maintained, but signal strength deteriorates at ultra-low temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFID functionality in ULTVSAvoidRF signal strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system parameters are specifically optimized for ultra-low temperature operation. The antenna elements are designed with characteristics that maintain resonant frequency and signal strength at temperatures below -40°C, compensating for the effects of cold environment on RF performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system effectively detects and tracks RFID-tagged items in high density environments within ULT cold-storage devices, reducing errors and improving inventory management by providing real-time inventory lists without the need for extensive user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

Radio frequency identification (RFID) techniques in an ultra-low temperature (ULT) environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A plurality of circularly polarized RFID antenna elements and a controller that can individually control each antenna element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCircular polarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentEP3256801B1Radio frequency identification techniques in an ultra-low temperature environment

Publication Date: 2020.06.17 PROMEGA CORP

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Figure 2A

AI summary

According to certain inventive techniques, a system includes a plurality of shelves in an interior chamber of a cold-storage apparatus, an RFID antenna assembly in the cold-storage apparatus, and a controller. Each of the shelves can support items that are connected a corresponding RFID tag. The RFID antenna assembly includes a plurality of RFID antenna elements that direct a transmission of radio frequenc(ies) towards the plurality of shelves. The controller is in communication with the RFID antenna assembly and can individually and separately control each of the RFID antenna elements.