RFID Modular Hanger Tracking for Inventory Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory management systems are inefficient due to manual location of goods and filled orders, leading to difficulties in accurately identifying and retrieving products from storage areas, especially in large-scale distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modular hangers with a hook unit, storage unit, and locking mechanism, equipped with a microprocessor, indicator light, and transceiver, which emit radio frequency signals for easy identification and tracking of ordered goods, allowing for automated location and retrieval processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual location methods are used to find goods in storage areas, then the system structure remains simple, but the time required to locate and retrieve goods increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical searching with an automated electronic identification system. RFID tags are attached to goods and containers, allowing workers to use handheld readers to instantly identify and locate items without manually searching through storage areas. This substitution of mechanical searching with electronic detection dramatically reduces location time while adding moderate system complexity through the RFID infrastructure.
2Reliability
If goods are stored in a secure area with restricted access, then security is improved, but the complexity of access control and tracking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based access control system where RFID readers at entry points automatically detect tagged items and verify authorization. The system provides real-time feedback to authorized personnel about what is being accessed and maintains automatic records of all access events. This feedback mechanism enhances security while managing complexity through automated verification rather than manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service access control where authorized users can independently verify and track items using handheld RFID readers without requiring manual authorization from security personnel. The automated identification and tracking system handles verification automatically, reducing the complexity of human-mediated access control while maintaining strong security protocols.
3Ease of operation
If filled orders are placed in a temporary storage area, then order organization is improved, but the difficulty of locating specific orders increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual searching for orders with automated RFID detection. Handheld readers can instantly identify and locate specific orders in the temporary storage area by reading RFID tags, eliminating the need to manually search through stacked containers. This substitution maintains the organizational benefits of temporary storage while dramatically reducing the difficulty of locating specific orders.
4Measurement precision
If modular hangers with electronic components are used, then tracking precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic identification functionality from complex integrated systems and implements it as separate, attachable RFID tags. This allows the tracking precision benefits of electronic identification to be achieved without requiring complex manufacturing processes. The tags can be independently manufactured and attached to existing goods and containers, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high tracking precision.
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 system enhances efficiency by enabling precise tracking and retrieval of goods, reducing errors, and optimizing the distribution process through automated identification and illumination of modular hangers, facilitating accurate delivery and inventory management across multiple distribution centers.
Implementation Method 1
The transceiver can be used to emit the hanger address as a radio frequency signal
Implementation Method 2
The indicator light can be illuminated to indicate that the ordered goods are on that particular modular hanger
Data Source
AI summary
A inventory system for product storage and retrieval. Ordered goods are placed in bag units at a central filling center and shipped to local storage areas, where the bags are placed onto rails in a storage structure. The rails include an imaging sensor at each bag receiving location defined on the rails for obtaining a bag identifier that is affixed with the bag unit. The bag identifier and the rail address for each bag unit is stored on a local computer database. When a user wants to pick up stored goods, the user inputs the identification or order information for the goods and the computer will search the inventory to locate the goods in a specific stored bag unit. The rail adjacent the bag unit is illuminated to facilitate locating the goods.