RFID Arrangement for Chain Conveyor Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain conveyor systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively identifying and conveying piece goods due to the need for oriented feed and high rf power requirements, especially when using rotationally symmetrical workpiece carriers.
Innovation Solution
An rf identification arrangement with a support rail element having an inner cavity for housing the rf reading device, allowing direct signal emission to the underside of the link chain, and a symmetrical double profile design that reduces the distance between the rf device and the RFID tag, eliminating the need for additional orientation and reducing rf power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an RFID tag is arranged on the side surface of the workpiece carrier and read by a device on the support rail, then the workpiece carrier can be identified, but oriented feeding is required which increases costs and reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the RFID reading device on the support rail as in prior art, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the RFID tag on the underside of the link chain and the reading device on the workpiece carrier. This allows identification without requiring oriented feeding of the workpiece carrier, thereby maintaining identification reliability while significantly improving conveying flexibility and reducing costs.
2Reliability
If the RFID reading device is arranged on the support rail facing the workpiece carrier, then identification can be performed, but higher RF power is required when the device is not optimally positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of RFID tag placement from the side surface to the underside of the link chain. This dimensional change allows the reading device on the workpiece carrier to be positioned in optimal proximity to the tag, improving identification reliability while reducing RF power consumption by eliminating the need for high-power signals to bridge larger distances or penetrate obstructive structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotationally symmetrical workpiece carriers are used, then conveying flexibility is improved, but they must be removed from the chain conveyor for reading or writing which increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the workpiece carrier to perform identification functions autonomously while remaining on the chain conveyor. By placing the reading device on the carrier itself and the tag on the link chain, the system allows identification and data writing to occur in-situ without requiring removal of rotationally symmetrical carriers, thereby maintaining conveying flexibility while eliminating additional handling costs.
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 enables reliable and cost-effective identification and conveying of piece goods, including rotationally symmetrical carriers, with reduced rf power consumption and increased flexibility in the chain conveyor system.
Implementation Method 1
an RF reading device or RF read/write device for non-contact reading or reading/writing of information by means of an RF signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A radio-frequency identification arrangement for a chain conveyor for piece goods having a driven linked chain is disclosed, comprising a carrier rail element (3) for guiding and supporting the linked chain (4) in the region of the radio-frequency identification arrangement, and a radio-frequency reading device or radio-frequency writing/reading device (10) for performing contactless reading or reading/writing of information by means of a radio-frequency signal. According to the invention, the radio-frequency reading device or radio-frequency writing/reading device (10) is arranged directly on a base (30) of the carrier rail element (3) facing an underside of the linked chain (4). For this purpose, the latter can be accommodated in a recess or a cavity in the carrier rail element (3). An RFID tag which is mounted on a workpiece or a workpiece carrier can be read, or read and written to, through the linked chain of the chain conveyor by means of the radio-frequency identification arrangement. In addition, a comparatively short distance between the radio-frequency reading device or radio-frequency writing/reading device and the RFID tag and therefore an advantageously low-power level of the radio-frequency signal used for identification can be implemented.