RFID Carrier for Automatic Tray Tracking in Hot Holding Cabinets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hot holding cabinet systems require manual user input to initiate and control the food holding process, leading to potential errors and disruptions in food quality due to operator forgetfulness or busy environments, especially in fast-paced restaurant kitchens where multiple cabinets are used.
Innovation Solution
The integration of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on trays within the hot holding cabinets allows for automatic tracking and control of food trays, eliminating the need for manual input by using transceivers connected to the trays and readers that communicate with a central processor to manage heating times and locations, ensuring consistent food quality across multiple cabinets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual button press is used to initiate product tracking, then the system can track food products, but the quality control process is disrupted due to operator forgetfulness or busy environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs tracking initiation automatically without requiring operator action. The transceiver mounted on the tray self-activates tracking when placed in the cabinet, eliminating the need for manual button pressing and ensuring consistent quality control regardless of operator availability or attentiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical button press is replaced with an automated electronic detection system. The transceiver and reader system automatically detects tray placement and initiates tracking through electronic signals, replacing the manual mechanical interaction with an automated electronic process.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple holding cabinets are used in high demand restaurants, then more food products can be held, but transferring product information between cabinets requires complex button press sequences that are not consistently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver system automatically handles product information transfer between cabinets without requiring operator intervention. When a tray is moved from one cabinet to another, the transceiver self-activates and the reader automatically captures and transfers the product information, eliminating complex manual transfer sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver acts as an intermediary carrier of product information between cabinets. Instead of requiring complex manual transfer sequences, the transceiver holds the product information and automatically communicates it to the destination cabinet's reader system, simplifying the transfer process.
3Extent of automation
If transceivers are mounted directly on trays, then automatic tracking is achieved, but the mounting process becomes complex and requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a separate carrier component that attaches to the tray. Instead of mounting the transceiver directly to the tray, the carrier serves as an intermediate component that holds the transceiver and attaches to the tray, simplifying both the mounting process and allowing for easier replacement or repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as an intermediary between the transceiver and the tray. This intermediary component simplifies the mounting process by providing a standardized attachment mechanism, reducing the need for precise direct mounting on the tray while still achieving automatic tracking functionality.
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 ensures that food is maintained at optimal temperatures without manual intervention, reducing waste and improving customer satisfaction by maintaining food quality and streamlining operations across multiple hot holding cabinets.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, allows for automatic tracking and control of food trays, eliminating the need for manual input by using transceivers connected to the trays and readers that communicate with a central processor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A carrier includes a carrier body that is removably connectable to a tray that holds food in a cabinet and a transceiver being connected to the carrier body on a first side. The transceiver is configured so that a reader identifies the tray.