RFID Interface Device for AGV Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) in manufacturing and logistics face challenges with the integration of additional components like cameras and RFID readers, which increase power requirements, weight, and are prone to failure due to installation complexities and electromagnetic compatibility issues, limiting their efficiency and reliability in data exchange.
Innovation Solution
An interface device featuring a passive RFID tag with an integrated microprocessor and antenna, connected via external lines to a fieldbus system, allowing for simplified and robust data communication using standardized protocols like SPI, I2C, CAN bus, and CANopen, with a shielding element to minimize electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional components like cameras and RFID readers are integrated into AGVs for data exchange, then data communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RFID reader functionality with the AGV's existing microcontroller unit, eliminating the need for separate RFID reader hardware. This integration allows the AGV to read RFID tags on workpieces using its existing processing unit, thereby maintaining data communication capability while avoiding the additional power consumption that would result from separate active reading components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the workpiece's RFID tag to provide data passively without requiring the AGV to actively query or process additional information. The RFID tag on the workpiece self-services by storing and transmitting its own identification and data, which the AGV's integrated microcontroller can read without requiring additional power-intensive components.
2Loss of information
If additional components like cameras and RFID readers are integrated into AGVs for data exchange, then data communication capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RFID reading functionality into the AGV's existing microcontroller unit, eliminating the need for separate RFID reader hardware components. This integration maintains full data communication capability with RFID tags on workpieces while avoiding the weight increase that would result from additional dedicated reading devices.
3Loss of information
If additional components like cameras and RFID readers are integrated into AGVs for data exchange, then data communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates RFID reading functionality into the AGV's existing microcontroller unit, eliminating the need for separate RFID reader hardware and reducing integration complexity. The microcontroller's existing processing capabilities are utilized to read RFID tags, thereby maintaining data communication capability while simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the number of components that need to be integrated and coordinated.
4Loss of information
If additional components like cameras and RFID readers are integrated into AGVs for data exchange, then data communication capability is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RFID reading functionality with the AGV's existing microcontroller unit, eliminating separate RFID reader components that would be prone to failure. By utilizing the already-proven and reliable microcontroller for RFID reading tasks, the system maintains full data communication capability while reducing the number of potential failure points and improving overall system reliability.
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
Enables efficient, reliable, and energy-efficient data exchange between the RFID tag and fieldbus systems, reducing the need for additional components and improving the robustness and cost-effectiveness of AGV operations.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID tag (4), in particular a passive RFID tag, with an antenna (16) and an RFID chip (17) connected via an internal line (5), in particular for transmitting an RFID protocol
Implementation Method 2
A shielding element (7) is provided in the interface device (2) at least in the crossing area between the antenna (16) and the first external line (19.1) and/or the second external line (19.2)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an interface device comprising an RFID tag, which includes an antenna and an RFID chip connected via an internal line, in particular for transmitting an RFID protocol, wherein the RFID chip includes and/or is connected to an IC data storage device, wherein the RFID chip is configured and suitably connected to exchange and process radio signals via the antenna and/or to read and/or store data with the IC data storage device using a first data protocol, in particular to convert data exchangeable via the antenna, wherein a microprocessor is provided which is connected via a first external line either to the RFID chip and/or the IC data storage device and a second external line can be connected to a fieldbus system, a fieldbus line and/or a fieldbus component.Furthermore, the invention relates to a treatment device with this interface device, a system and a method for treating a workpiece.