RFID Garment Tracking Antenna for Orientation-Independent Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial and industrial laundering facilities face inefficiencies in tracking and managing large volumes of garments, particularly in sorting, storage, and delivery, as existing methods lack effective solutions for real-time identification and sequencing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system with enhanced antenna design using magnetic permeability materials to ensure reliable tag orientation and communication, combined with a sorting algorithm for sequencing garments, and a personnel safety system using RFID for emergency stop functionality, along with a privacy protocol to protect identifying data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RFID tags are attached to garments for tracking, then garment identification and sorting efficiency is improved, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable RFID tags that are attached to garments for tracking purposes. These tags are inexpensive, single-use components that can be easily applied and removed, providing cost-effective garment identification without requiring expensive reusable tagging systems or complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting methods with automated RFID-based tracking and identification systems. This substitution eliminates the need for manual garment handling and visual identification, using electromagnetic field-based RFID technology to automatically track, sort, and manage garments throughout the laundry process
2Measurement precision
If manual tracking methods are used, then system cost is reduced, but tracking precision and real-time identification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual tracking methods with automated RFID reading systems that use electromagnetic fields to identify and track garments in real-time. This substitution enables precise tracking without manual intervention, providing accurate garment location and status information instantly throughout the laundry facility
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system provides continuous, real-time tracking of garments as they move through various stages of the laundry process. The electromagnetic fields continuously monitor garment positions and statuses without interruption, ensuring uninterrupted tracking capability and eliminating gaps that would occur with periodic manual checks
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 efficient tracking and sequencing of garments, improving productivity and safety by ensuring accurate sorting and delivery, while the privacy protocol safeguards sensitive information, and the safety system prevents accidents by ensuring timely equipment shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
tracking individual garments by radio frequency identification (RFID) devices
Implementation Method 2
enhanced antenna design using magnetic permeability materials to ensure reliable tag orientation and communication
Data Source
AI summary
A process for laundering, sorting and delivering garments is enhanced by incorporating a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag into each garment. An RFID reader antenna includes left and right interleaved parallel and vertically aligned pluralities of generally orthogonal ferrite horseshoes to shape the sensing magnetic fields. The span of coverage along with the non-aligned magnetic fields ensure that RFID tag is read even regardless of orientation. Accurate detection facilitates tracking of garments during laundering, repair, replacement, sorting, etc.