RFID Container Identification for Reconfigurable Ingredient Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing systems are static and limited in their ability to generate a variety of products, requiring extensive modifications to mechanical, electrical, and software systems for reconfiguration, which is inefficient and often results in contamination of components when switching between different microingredients.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an RFID-based system that uses passive and writeable RFID tags to ensure proper placement and identification of product containers and modules within the processing system, allowing for efficient reconfiguration and preventing contamination by monitoring the presence and type of microingredients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If processing systems are reconfigured to generate different products, then product versatility is improved, but device complexity and contamination risk increase due to extensive mechanical and electrical modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing system is divided into modular components (valves, pumps, containers) that can be independently configured and repositioned. Each component has standardized interfaces with RFID tags, allowing modular reconfiguration without extensive system-wide modifications, thus improving versatility while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Physical mechanical identification and tracking systems are replaced with RFID electronic identification systems. RFID tags on components provide automatic identification and tracking, eliminating the need for complex mechanical tracking mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while enabling flexible reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If new components are added to processing systems for reconfiguration, then product variety is improved, but loss of substance increases due to contamination between different microingredients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct varietyVSAvoidingredient contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

RFID tags are pre-installed on all components and containers before use. The system performs preliminary RFID-based identification and verification before each processing operation, ensuring that the correct components and ingredients are used from the start, thereby preventing contamination before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID system provides real-time feedback on component identification, container contents, and system configuration. This continuous monitoring and verification feedback loop ensures that incorrect components or contaminated ingredients are detected immediately, preventing contamination spread and enabling corrective action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive modifications are made to processing systems for reconfiguration, then product capability is improved, but loss of time increases due to complex reconfiguration procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static, fixed configurations to dynamic, reconfigurable configurations. Components with RFID tags can be dynamically added, removed, or repositioned, and the RFID system automatically updates the system configuration database, enabling rapid adaptation to different product requirements without time-consuming manual reconfiguration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical reconfiguration procedures are replaced with automated RFID-based identification and configuration management. The RFID system automatically detects new components, verifies their identities, and updates system parameters, eliminating time-consuming manual tracking and configuration tasks while improving product capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables flexible and efficient production of multiple products by ensuring accurate placement of ingredients and modules, reducing contamination risks and streamlining the reconfiguration process, thereby enhancing the system's versatility and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an RFID antenna assembly configured to be positioned on a product module assembly of a processing system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2188869B1RFID system and method

Publication Date: 2018.11.07 DEKA PRODUCTS LP

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AI summary

An RFID system includes an RFID antenna assembly configured to be positioned on a product module assembly of a processing system. The product module assembly is configured to releasably engage at least one product container. A first RFID tag assembly configured to be positioned on the at least one product container. The at least one product container is configured to position the first RFID tag assembly within a detection zone of the RFID antenna assembly whenever the product module assembly releasably engages the at least one product container.