Flat Goods Loading with RFID Identification for Container Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting goods units into transport containers in intralogistics systems are inefficient, requiring manual labor and are not cost-effective, especially for handling heterogeneous goods with poor dimensional stability, and current RFID technologies face challenges in unambiguous identification due to spatial proximity.
Innovation Solution
A bundle comprising a carrier strand with packaging units that can be automatically conveyed and separated, using machine-readable data elements for identification, and a device with modules for handling and inserting these units into transport containers, including overhead conveyor bags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion of goods units into transport containers is used, then flexibility in handling different goods is maintained, but labor costs increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses RFID tags on goods units to automatically identify and guide them to the correct transport containers without manual intervention. The goods units essentially guide themselves through the sorting process via the control system, eliminating the need for manual sorting while maintaining flexibility in handling different goods types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated system using RFID technology and controlled conveyor mechanisms. The identification and routing decisions are made automatically by the control system based on RFID data, substituting human decision-making with electronic identification and automated mechanical transport.
2Productivity
If automated insertion systems are implemented, then productivity increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID reading devices and control system serve multiple functions: identifying goods units, determining their destination, controlling conveyor mechanisms, and managing the sorting process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags act as intermediaries that carry identification information between the goods units and the reading devices. This intermediary technology enables automatic identification without requiring complex direct sensing or recognition systems, simplifying the overall automation architecture.
3Measurement precision
If RFID reading devices are positioned close to goods units for identification, then identification accuracy improves, but unambiguous identification becomes difficult due to spatial proximity of multiple tags
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification process by using multiple reading devices positioned at different locations along the conveyor path. Each reading device reads RFID tags sequentially as goods units pass by, allowing the control system to process and differentiate between multiple tags over time and space, thereby maintaining both accuracy and unambiguous identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary reading of RFID tags at multiple positions before final sorting decisions are made. This preliminary action allows the control system to collect and verify identification data, ensuring accurate and unambiguous identification before the goods units are routed to their destinations.
Data Source
AI summary
A device (6) for the insertion of flat good units (2, 3, 31) into a transport container (8, 81) includes an insertion module (63) for the insertion of flat good units (2, 3, 31) into a transport container (8, 81), a feed module (61) for feeding fat good units (2, 3, 31) to the insertion modulo (63), and a first identification module (65) for identifying flat good units (2, 3, 31). The feed module (61) includes a horizontal conveying device (613), by which flat good units can be conveyed along a conveying path. The identification module (65) is configured to determine the identity of a flat good unit.