RFID Livestock Health Monitoring System Temperature Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional livestock monitoring systems face challenges in efficiently monitoring large numbers of animals and are prone to human error, as many illnesses are visually undetectable and require experienced managers for accurate health assessment.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled livestock health monitoring system that includes a temperature monitoring component, a computer for data analysis, and a notification device to alert users when an animal's temperature exceeds a set threshold, reducing human error and enabling long-term monitoring with rechargeable devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional visual inspection methods are used by livestock managers, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the reliability of health detection is low because many illnesses are visually undetectable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehealth detection accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated electronic temperature monitoring devices attached to livestock. These devices use temperature sensors to detect health conditions objectively, eliminating the subjectivity and limitations of human visual assessment while providing continuous, reliable data without requiring complex manual evaluation processes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system enables self-service by automatically measuring and recording temperature data from livestock without requiring constant human intervention. The devices autonomously monitor health parameters and can trigger alerts when abnormal conditions are detected, allowing the system to serve itself in maintaining health surveillance while reducing dependency on skilled human managers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual monitoring by experienced managers is used, then measurement precision may be high for visible conditions, but productivity is low due to the large number of animals and time required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring efficiencyVSAvoidtime for health assessment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual inspection with automated temperature monitoring devices that continuously measure livestock health parameters. These electronic systems can monitor multiple animals simultaneously and instantaneously, eliminating the sequential nature of manual checks and dramatically increasing monitoring throughput while reducing the time required for each assessment.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system implements continuous temperature surveillance rather than periodic manual checks. The devices operate constantly to track health parameters, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring of all livestock. This continuous action eliminates gaps in detection and allows for real-time health assessment across the entire herd, maximizing productivity without time losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If automated temperature monitoring devices are used, then reliability and productivity improve, but device complexity increases due to multiple components including RFID, temperature sensors, and notification systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehealth monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsystem component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components into an integrated monitoring device. The temperature sensor, RFID tag, power management, and notification capabilities are combined into a single unified system attached to each animal. This integration reduces the number of separate components that need to be managed individually while maintaining all necessary functions for reliable health monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an identification tag and a health monitoring station. The same device that provides RFID identification also measures temperature, stores data, and can trigger alerts. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing reliability through integrated multi-purpose capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of time

If continuous monitoring is implemented, then loss of time for detection is reduced, but use of energy increases due to constant operation of sensors and communication devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection response timeVSAvoidpower consumption of monitoring device
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system implements periodic measurement cycles rather than truly continuous operation. The temperature sensor takes readings at predetermined intervals, and the RFID communication occurs periodically when triggered by specific conditions or at scheduled times. This periodic action maintains effective monitoring while allowing the device to enter low-power states between measurements, significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to constant operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to adjust its operation based on detected conditions. When temperature readings are within normal ranges, the device reduces its activity level and communication frequency to conserve energy. Only when abnormal conditions are detected does the system increase its monitoring intensity and trigger notifications, ensuring rapid detection response when needed while minimizing energy use during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively monitors multiple animals simultaneously, reducing the risk of human error and providing timely notifications for potential health issues, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of livestock health management.

Implementation Method 1

a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, wherein the RFID device is configured to transmit information about the animal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a temperature monitoring component configured to monitor the animal's body temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature monitoring: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20240057563A1Livestock health monitoring systems and methods of use
Publication Date: 2024.02.22 FEVERTAGS LLC
  • US20240057563A1 patent drawing
  • US20240057563A1 patent drawing
  • US20240057563A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods of using an animal wellness notification system to determine the wellness of an animal, the systems and methods comprising: attaching an animal wellness notification system component to an animal, monitoring the temperature of the animal to determine if the animal's temperature remains outside a selected temperature range for a selected time duration, and providing notice if the animal's temperature remained outside the selected temperature range for the selected time duration.