RFID Portal Sequencing for Vertical Stack Order Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tier 1 auto suppliers face challenges in maintaining the correct sequence of automotive parts for delivery to auto manufacturers, leading to costly mistakes and potential expulsion from the tier 1 program due to current manual inspection and bar code scanning methods being error-prone.
Innovation Solution
An RFID-based sequencing system with strategically positioned towers and antennas that determine the vertical position of RFID tags in a stack of assets using signal strength, coupled with an asset management system to verify the sequence against an inventory manifest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection and bar code scanning methods are used to validate asset sequence, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability of sequence validation deteriorate due to human error and mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection and bar code scanning with an RFID-based automated sequencing system. RFID readers mounted on towers automatically detect and track assets as they move through the portal, eliminating the need for manual verification and significantly improving sequence validation accuracy while reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediaries attached to each asset and RFID readers as intermediary devices that automatically capture and verify sequence information. This intermediary layer enables automated, high-precision tracking without requiring direct manual intervention, thus improving measurement precision while keeping the system manageable through standardized components.
2Reliability
If automated RFID-based sequencing system is implemented, then the measurement precision and reliability of sequence validation improve, but the device complexity and initial cost increase due to multiple towers and antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the validation system into multiple towers positioned around the portal, each equipped with RFID readers and antennas. This segmentation allows the system to track assets from multiple angles and positions, improving reliability by providing redundant verification while distributing the complexity across modular, manageable units rather than requiring a single complex system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple vertically spaced antennas are used to determine asset position, then the measurement precision of vertical positioning improves, but the use of energy and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple vertically spaced antennas that operate in a coordinated manner to detect RFID tags at different heights as assets pass through the portal. The antennas are activated periodically as needed based on asset movement, enabling precise vertical positioning while managing energy consumption by not requiring all antennas to operate continuously at full power.
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
Provides accurate, error-free validation of the asset sequence, reducing mistakes and ensuring compliance with the required order for delivery, thereby avoiding penalties and expulsion.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency identification (RFID) based sequencing system
Implementation Method 2
determine the vertical position of each RFID tag in the vertical stack of assets as it moves through the portal based at least on a signal strength from each RFID tag observed by the vertically placed antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for sequencing of items in a vertical stack is disclosed. The RFID based sequencing system includes first and second towers positioned about a portal, each of the first and the second towers having at least two strategically, vertically spaced antennas configured to acquire information from RFID tags attached to individual assets in a vertical stack of assets. The system further includes an RFID reader in communication with the antenna and with an asset management system that stores computer executable instructions configured to determine a vertical position of each RFID tag in the vertical stack of assets as it moves through the portal between the first and second towers.