RFID Antenna Grid for Sample Container Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for identifying and locating sample containers with RFID tags are mechanically and time-consuming, require numerous reading antennas and complex construction, and are inefficient in terms of component movement and anti-collision algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A device with a reduced number of reading antennas, where each coordinate in a grid is assigned at least one reading antenna, allowing for efficient RFID tag reading and localization without the need for extensive component movement or complex anti-collision algorithms, using a matching network to resonate and match impedance between the reading device and antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reading device is guided along the sample rack or the sample rack is moved relative to the reading device, then RFID tags can be read, but the method is mechanically complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reading system (where a reading device or sample rack moves relative to each other) with a static system where multiple reading antennas are fixed at different positions. The mechanical movement is substituted by having multiple stationary antennas that can be selectively activated based on the position of sample containers, eliminating complex mechanical structures while maintaining RFID reading capability.
2Measurement precision
If position sensors are used to determine individual positions of sample containers, then localization is achieved, but the construction becomes very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reading antennas as intermediary elements that serve dual purposes: reading RFID tags and determining sample container positions. Instead of using separate position sensors, the system uses the presence or absence of RFID tag signals from different antenna positions to infer sample container locations, thereby achieving precise measurement without additional complex positioning hardware.
3Productivity
If one or more reading antennas are arranged on each individual receptacle, then RFID tags can be identified directly without relative movements, but a very large number of reading antennas and associated supply lines are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes reading antennas multi-functional by designing them to serve both RFID tag reading and sample container position determination functions. Instead of having separate antennas for each receptacle dedicated to single functions, the same antennas are used for both identifying RFID tags and locating sample containers, thereby reducing the total number of antennas and supply lines required while maintaining high identification productivity.
4Reliability
If separate matching networks are required for each reading antenna, then impedance matching is achieved, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate matching networks into a single shared matching network that serves all reading antennas. Instead of having individual matching networks for each antenna, the system uses one common matching network to match the impedance of multiple antennas to the RFID reader, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable impedance matching for all antennas.
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
This solution significantly reduces the number of reading antennas and components to be moved, making the system more reliable, faster, and less susceptible to faults, while allowing for unambiguous assignment and localization of sample containers with reduced query time.
Implementation Method 1
a separate matching network is required for each reading antenna in order to make the reading antenna resonant at the interrogation frequency and to match the impedance of the reading antenna to that of the reading device
Implementation Method 2
These reading antennas can identify the RFID tag attached to the sample container directly when it is inserted into the receptacle
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The device has a retainer for retaining a sample container, and multiple read antennas (5x1-5x5, 5y1-5y5) for reading radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags of the sample container that is retained in the retainer. The read antennas are optionally connectable with a reading device such that the RFID tags are is selectable, identifiable and locatable by the reading device and the read antennas. The retainer is assigned to values of two coordinates (x, y), where each value is assigned to the respective antenna such that the RFID tags of the sample container are readable. The device identifies and localizes sample containers using Electronics product code (EPC) (RTM: not defined) based class-1 generation-2 UHF RFID protocol for communication at a range of about 860-960 MHz version 1.0.9:2005. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for identification and localization of sample containers (2) a method for retrofitting and/or activating a device (3) a computer program comprising a set of instructions for performing a method for identification and localization of sample containers (4) a data carrier comprising a set of instructions for performing a method for identification and localization of sample containers.