RFID Inventory Tracking for Moving Platelet Agitators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID tracking systems for agitators and incubators require the agitator to stop for adding or removing platelet bags, which can cause damage and are not easily retrofittable to existing models.
Innovation Solution
An inventory tracking system using an RFID antenna, reader, and sensor system that monitors the agitator's motion and position, allowing RFID scanning without stopping the agitator, using a magnetic proximity sensor and processing circuit to detect changes in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the agitator stops for adding or removing platelet bags, then inventory management becomes simpler, but productivity decreases and bag damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical inventory tracking (physical counting and manual recording) with an RFID electromagnetic field-based automated tracking system. The RFID reader continuously scans tags on platelet bags without requiring the agitator to stop, enabling automated inventory management while maintaining continuous agitation and productivity.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical modifications are made to existing agitators for RFID integration, then tracking precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID reader is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an inventory tracking device and as a motion detection device. By using the RFID reader's existing processing capabilities to also detect agitator motion through sensor integration, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated motion sensors and complex mechanical modifications, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining tracking precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic sensor as an intermediary component that detects the position of magnetic actuators within the agitator. This intermediary sensing mechanism enables motion detection without direct mechanical coupling or complex modifications to the agitator structure, simplifying the integration process while achieving accurate motion detection for tracking purposes.
3Reliability
If RFID antennas are integrated into the agitator structure, then tracking reliability improves, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID system is segmented into separate functional modules: the RFID reader, the antenna system, and the sensor system. This modular segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, tested, and then assembled into the existing agitator, improving ease of manufacture compared to integrating all functions into a monolithic modified structure, while maintaining reliable tracking performance.
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 RFID scanning during agitator motion, minimizing design changes and facilitating easy adaptation to various models, ensuring efficient inventory management without mechanical modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The proximity sensor module may comprise a magnetic field sensor and a magnetic actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An inventory tracking system (100) for use with an agitator (200) comprises an RFID antenna system (102) for detecting RFID tags located in the agitator and an RFID reader (104) in communication with the RFID antenna system (102). The inventory tracking system (100) also comprises a sensor system (106) configured to monitor a state of the agitator. The RFID reader (104) receives a signal indicative of an agitator state from the sensor system (106), and the RFID reader (104) controls operation of the RFID antenna system (102) responsive to said received signal. The sensor system may be configured to monitor motion of the agitator, for example the signal received by the RFID reader may be indicative of the agitator starting or restarting motion.