RFID Antenna Assembly for Flexible Product Container Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Processing systems used to generate products from multiple ingredients are often static and limited in their configurational flexibility, requiring extensive modifications to produce different products, as existing devices and processes are non-reconfigurable and dedicated to single tasks.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an RFID system within the processing system, which includes RFID antenna assemblies and tag assemblies on product containers and bracket assemblies, allows for the detection and tracking of ingredients and modules, enabling proper placement and preventing contamination, thus facilitating the production of various products without extensive reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the processing system uses static configuration with dedicated devices for single tasks, then the system reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements RFID antenna assemblies and tag assemblies that can identify and track multiple different product containers and ingredient containers. The system uses a single RFID infrastructure to perform multiple functions including verifying product container placement, tracking ingredient usage, and preventing contamination, replacing the need for dedicated sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags serve as intermediary elements attached to product containers and ingredient containers, enabling the processing system to detect and track these items without direct mechanical or electrical connections. This intermediary approach allows the same RFID antenna to interact with various different containers throughout the process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the processing system is reconfigured to generate different products, then the product variety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID system provides a universal tracking and verification mechanism that works across different product types and container configurations. The same antenna assemblies and tag assemblies can identify and track various ingredient containers and product containers regardless of the specific product being manufactured, eliminating the need for product-specific sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically verifies product container placement and tracks ingredient usage through RFID detection without requiring manual configuration or programming for each product change. The RFID tags self-identify the containers, and the system automatically processes this information to verify correct assembly and prevent contamination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new components are added to the processing system to accomplish new tasks, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
RFID tags attached to product containers serve as intermediaries that provide precise location verification without requiring physical measurement systems. The antenna assemblies detect the presence and position of tagged containers through electromagnetic fields, maintaining placement accuracy without adding complex mechanical positioning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical sensing systems with RFID electromagnetic detection for verifying container placement and tracking ingredient usage. This substitution maintains precision while reducing mechanical complexity, as RFID detection can accurately determine container presence and position without physical contact or complex mechanical sensors.
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
The RFID system enhances the flexibility and efficiency of the processing system by ensuring accurate placement of ingredients and modules, preventing contamination, and allowing for the production of multiple products without the need for extensive modifications, thereby improving operational efficiency and product variety.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID antenna assembly configured to be positioned on a product module assembly of a processing system... A first RFID tag assembly is 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
Data Source
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.