RFID Unit Activation via Load Detection in Industrial Trucks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The simultaneous operation of multiple RFID transmitting and receiving units in industrial trucks leads to a transmission bottleneck due to limited radio channels, and existing solutions that rely on operator activation can result in unnecessary activation of these units.

Innovation Solution

An industrial truck equipped with a load-carrying means and an integrated sensor that activates the RFID transmitting and receiving unit only when a load is detected, preventing unnecessary activation and allowing for simple retrofitting and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the RFID transmitting and receiving unit is activated continuously to ensure data reading capability, then data reading reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and transmission bottlenecks occur due to limited radio channels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reading reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID transmitting and receiving unit transitions from a static continuous operation state to a dynamic state where activation is adjusted based on real-time load detection. The control unit receives load information from the sensor and dynamically controls the activation state of the RFID unit, enabling it to switch between active and inactive states as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the load sensor already present on the industrial truck to automatically trigger RFID unit activation. The control unit processes the load information and autonomously decides when to activate the RFID unit without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-regulating based on its own operational state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If the transmitting and receiving unit is activated frequently to ensure data capture, then data reading completeness is improved, but unnecessary activations occur increasing energy waste and channel congestion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reading completenessVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of load presence using the sensor before activating the RFID transmitting and receiving unit. This preliminary action ensures that the RFID unit is only activated when there is actual work to be done (a load is present), preventing unnecessary activations and associated energy waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If manual activation by the vehicle operator is used to control the transmitting and receiving unit, then activation control is simple, but the operator may forget to activate it or activate it unnecessarily frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation control simplicityVSAvoidactivation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual operator activation with automatic self-service activation based on sensor detection. The control unit monitors load information from the sensor and autonomously activates the RFID unit when needed, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Area of stationary object

If multiple RFID transmitting and receiving units operate simultaneously in the storage room, then data reading coverage is improved, but transmission bottlenecks occur due to limited radio channels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reading coverageVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous or simultaneous operation, the RFID transmitting and receiving units operate periodically and selectively based on load detection. Each unit activates only when its sensor detects a load, creating a coordinated periodic operation pattern that reduces channel congestion while maintaining adequate coverage across the storage room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 ensures efficient data reading by activating the RFID unit only when a load is present, reducing unnecessary operations and allowing for seamless integration with existing sensors and vehicle structures, thus enhancing data transmission efficiency without additional assembly complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor which detects a load on the load-carrying means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLoad detection:

Implementation Method 2

The sending and receiving unit is preferably designed as an RFID sending and receiving unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID electromagnetic transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP1842824B1Industrial truck with a load carrying device
Publication Date: 2009.11.25 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP1842824B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1842824B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The truck (10) has a loading rod (20), a loading fork (22), and a radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitting and receiving unit, whose transmitting and receiving area is arranged on the area of the rod and the loading fork. A fork occupancy sensor is provided to detect load on the loading fork. A control unit initiates an activation of the transmitting and receiving unit for receiving data from an external radio frequency identification transponder, when the load is detected by the sensor.