RFID Grain Tracking Device with Ferromagnetic Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for grain traceability are impractical due to the difficulty in accurately determining the origin of grain as it moves through complex supply chains, where loads are often combined and segregated at larger units, leading to reduced precision and increased record-keeping complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of tracking devices with RFID chips and ferromagnetic weights, designed to mimic grain characteristics, are dispensed into grain flows to associate identifying information, allowing for precise tracking and separation from the grain using magnetic fields or filters, enabling accurate and convenient traceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detailed record keeping and strict product segregation are used to maintain traceability, then measurement precision of grain origin is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to extensive record-keeping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual record-keeping systems with RFID tracking devices that automatically record and transmit grain origin information. The RFID tags attached to grain loads enable automatic identification and tracking throughout the supply chain, eliminating the need for complex manual documentation while maintaining precise traceability of grain origins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RFID tags as information carriers that copy and transmit origin data throughout the supply chain. Instead of maintaining separate physical records at each facility, the origin information is copied onto RFID tags that travel with the grain, enabling automatic retrieval of origin data without manual record-keeping at each step.
2Device complexity
If loads are combined and segregated at larger unit sizes to reduce record-keeping complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of grain origin deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the grain supply chain into individually trackable units using RFID tags. Each RFID tag represents a specific grain load or batch, allowing the system to track individual segments even when multiple segments are combined in larger containers. This segmentation enables precise origin tracking without requiring manual record-keeping for each individual grain kernel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies RFID tags to grain loads at the origin point before they enter the supply chain. This preliminary action ensures that origin information is captured and stored on the RFID tag before any mixing or combining occurs downstream, preserving traceability information even when loads are aggregated at larger unit sizes.
3Productivity
If multiple containers are emptied into larger containers and then split between smaller containers, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision of product sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where RFID readers automatically scan and record the movement of tagged grain loads through the supply chain. Each time grain is transferred between containers, the RFID system detects the movement and updates the tracking database, providing continuous feedback on the location and origin of each grain batch. This enables precise source identification even after multiple transfer and mixing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tracking methods with automated RFID detection systems that use electromagnetic fields to identify and track grain loads. This substitution eliminates the need for manual record-keeping during transfer operations while maintaining precise tracking of grain origins through multiple container transfers and mixing operations.
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
This solution enhances grain traceability by maintaining accurate records and providing precise origin information, reducing the complexity of record-keeping and improving the ability to track grain sources throughout the supply chain.
Implementation Method 1
a weight comprised of a ferromagnetic material disposed within the plastic body
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking device for assisting in traceability of grain includes a plastic body, an RFID chip disposed within the plastic body, and a weight comprised of a ferromagnetic material disposed within the plastic body. A method provides for dispensing tracking devices into a stream of grain so as to associate identifying information with the stream of grain. A system includes a dispensing device configured to singulate and dispense tracking devices into a flow of grain.