RFID Container Tracking for Flexible Processing System Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing systems are static and limited in their ability to generate multiple products, requiring extensive modifications to mechanical, electrical, and software systems for reconfiguration.

Innovation Solution

An RFID system is integrated into a processing system, using RFID tags and antennas to facilitate the detection and identification of product containers and modules, enabling efficient tracking and positioning within the system, thus allowing for dynamic configuration and product variation without extensive reconfiguration of mechanical or software components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If processing systems are designed to be static with dedicated components for specific products, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidproduct variety capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements RFID tags and readers that can identify and track multiple product containers across different product types. The system uses universal RFID infrastructure to manage various ingredients and products, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple product lines without reconfiguration, thus achieving versatility while maintaining reliability through consistent identification protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If processing systems are reconfigured to generate different products, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct switching capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical reconfiguration systems with RFID-based identification and tracking. Instead of physically reconfiguring valves, lines, and manifolds for different products, the system uses electronic RFID tags and readers to identify product containers and route materials accordingly, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses RFID tags as information copies that contain product identification data. Rather than reconfiguring physical systems, the RFID tags provide digital copies of product information that guide the processing system, simplifying the transition between different products without requiring complex mechanical or software modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If RFID tags are positioned on product containers within detection zones, then measurement precision and tracking accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer positioning accuracyVSAvoidRFID system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tags on product containers are passive and self-powered by the electromagnetic field from the readers. They automatically transmit their identification data when within detection zones without requiring active power sources or complex communication protocols, achieving high tracking accuracy while minimizing added system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates RFID readers into existing processing system components such as scales and control systems. The RFID identification data is merged with existing measurement and control functions, allowing precise tracking of container positions and contents without requiring separate dedicated RFID infrastructure, thus improving measurement precision while limiting complexity increases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables the processing system to efficiently manage and track ingredients and products, ensuring proper placement and usage, reducing contamination risks and enhancing operational flexibility by allowing for the production of various products without the need for extensive system modifications.

Implementation Method 1

An RFID system includes 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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11030512B2RFID system and method

Publication Date: 2021.06.08 DEKA PRODUCTS LP

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.