RFID Format Part Position Detection for Beverage Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for treating beverage containers face safety issues due to improper interlocking and installation of format parts, leading to potential system damage and inefficiencies in ensuring correct setup.

Innovation Solution

The integration of RFID-based identification elements and position detection devices on exchangeable format parts allows for wireless identification and locking state verification, ensuring correct and secure attachment to the device, preventing accidental misuse or damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If format parts are made exchangeable to treat different types of containers, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to improper installation and locking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to treat different types of containersVSAvoidcorrect installation and locking of format parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification by reading the identification element on the format part before allowing operation. The interrogation device checks whether the format part is properly installed and locked on the device in advance, preventing improper operation from occurring in the first place

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback through the interrogation device that reads the identification element and communicates the installation status. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to verify correct installation and provide status information to the operator, ensuring reliability while maintaining exchangeability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If manual checking methods are used to verify format part installation, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming verification processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification system structureVSAvoidformat part changeover speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical checking process is replaced by an automated electromagnetic field-based RFID interrogation system. The interrogation device wirelessly reads the identification element without physical contact or complex mechanical mechanisms, achieving fast verification while keeping the system relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The format part carries its own identification element that automatically provides verification information when queried. The system serves itself by having the format part contain all necessary identification data, eliminating the need for external verification equipment or manual checking procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If no identification system is used for format parts, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to verify correct format part usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification and verification systemVSAvoidcorrect format part installation verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Physical mechanical identification systems such as keyed locks or coded mechanical interfaces are replaced by an electromagnetic field-based RFID identification system. This allows verification of correct format part usage through wireless communication, maintaining simplicity while significantly improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The identification element acts as an intermediary carrier of verification information. Instead of complex mechanical verification mechanisms, the system uses the identification element as a mediator that provides all necessary verification data through electromagnetic field communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances safety and simplifies the verification process for proper installation and operation of the device, reducing the risk of system damage and improving overall efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the format part having an identification element based on RFID technology for identifying the format part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID technology: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the device has a power supply device (for example operating inductively) in order to wirelessly supply the first identification element with power at least temporarily

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2332847B1Device for handling containers with combined format section and installation monitoring
Publication Date: 2016.02.17 KRONES AG
  • EP2332847B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2332847B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A device (1) for handling containers, comprising a transport device (2) which transports the containers along a predetermined transport path, and a format part (4) which is interchangeably arranged on the device (1), wherein the format part (4) has a first identification element (6), in particular based on RFID technology, for identifying the format part (4). According to the invention, the format part (4) further comprises a position detection device (8) which detects the position of at least one element (18) of the device (1) relative to the format part and outputs a signal characteristic of this position.