RFID-Enabled Pallet Sled for Delivery Verification and Usage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet delivery systems lack efficient tracking, identification, and monitoring capabilities, leading to potential errors in pallet delivery and asset management, as well as inadequate maintenance scheduling.
Innovation Solution
A pallet sled equipped with RFID readers, GPS receivers, weight sensors, and processors for tracking and monitoring pallets, ensuring correct delivery, asset management, and predictive maintenance, along with data communication to a remote server for centralized management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual pallet tracking and identification methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of pallet delivery are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with electronic RFID identification systems and automated GPS tracking. The RFID reader automatically identifies pallets without manual intervention, while GPS receivers track location data electronically, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping and improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RFID tags that create electronic copies of pallet identification information. Instead of manually recording pallet details, the system reads and stores digital copies of pallet IDs, location data, and usage information, enabling accurate tracking and measurement without complex manual procedures.
2Productivity
If no usage monitoring is implemented, then device complexity is lower, but asset management efficiency and maintenance scheduling are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet sled system performs self-monitoring of its own usage through integrated sensors and processors. The system automatically tracks lift cycles, monitors battery status, and records operational data without requiring external monitoring equipment or manual tracking, improving asset management efficiency while keeping the monitoring functionality integrated and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where usage data is collected by sensors, processed by onboard processors, and transmitted to remote servers. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about pallet sled usage, enabling efficient asset management and predictive maintenance scheduling based on actual operational conditions.
3Reliability
If basic pallet sled functionality is used, then device complexity is minimized, but delivery accuracy and error reduction capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces basic mechanical pallet sled functionality with an enhanced system incorporating RFID readers, GPS receivers, weight sensors, and processors. These electronic systems automatically verify pallet destinations, track location accuracy, and confirm delivery completion, significantly improving delivery reliability while managing overall system complexity through integrated automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet sled includes a pair of tines extending forward from a base. A load wheel supports each of the pair of tines. The load wheels are each configured to move away from the respective tine to lift the respective tine upward relative to a support surface on which the load wheel is supported. A processor on the pallet sled records usage of the sled, such as lift cycles, location over time, battery condition, lift height, weight lifted, distance traveled, and the like. A communication circuit may be configured to send data from the pallet sled to a remote server. An identification reader may be configured to read an identification tag of an object supported on the pair of tines, such as an rfid tag on a pallet.