RFID Tag Spacing in Bale Binding for Low-Cost Aggregate Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking and tracing small square bales are cost-prohibitive due to the high expense of RFID identification devices, making it unfeasible for customers to accept additional costs for small bales valued at $4 to $8 each.
Innovation Solution
A method where RFID tags are applied at spaced intervals along the binding material, allowing one RFID tag per aggregate of bales, with non-tagged bales associated with tagged bales, enabling cost-effective tracking and traceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags are applied to every small square bale, then tracking and traceability is improved, but cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the aggregate of bales into groups where only one bale per group receives an RFID tag. This segmentation allows tracking of the entire aggregate through representative tagged bales, reducing the total number of tags needed while maintaining traceability capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a representative copy relationship where a single tagged bale serves as a proxy for multiple non-tagged bales in the same aggregate. The tagged bale contains duplicate tracking information that represents the entire group, eliminating the need for individual tags on every bale.
2Quantity of substance
If RFID tags are applied at spaced intervals along binding material, then cost is reduced, but identification coverage must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag on a single bale serves multiple functions: it identifies that specific bale and simultaneously represents the entire aggregate of bales bound with the same binding material. This multi-functionality allows one tag to provide identification coverage for multiple bales.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding material acts as an intermediary that links multiple non-tagged bales to a single tagged bale. The binding material physically connects the bales together, and the RFID tag on one bale indirectly identifies all bales bound with that same material through this intermediary relationship.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of storing information corresponding to crop material formed into a bale during a baling process for an aggregation of bales. Crop material is formed into a bale with the baler to obtain a formed bale. At least one parameter of the crop material or formed bale is detected with at least one crop sensor and/or bale sensor for the formed bale. The baler is provided with binding material from the binding material roll comprising identification tags at spaced intervals along the binding material. The formed bale is bound with the binding material using the knotter system such that an identification tag is applied to the bale to obtain a tagged bale. A bale ID is created for the tagged bale and the sensor parameter for the tagged bale is associated with the bale ID. Further crop material is formed into at least one additional bale with the baler to obtain at least one additional formed bale. The at least one additional formed bale is bound with the binding material such that an identification tag is not applied to the at least one additional formed bale to obtain at least one non-tagged bale. The at least one non-tagged bale is associated with the tagged bale and the tagged and non-tagged bales are formed into a bale aggregate.