RFID Tag Automation for Print Waste Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for managing waste in print production are labor-intensive and prone to errors, requiring manual sorting and separation of waste sheets from stacks, which is inefficient and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a transportable data carrier, such as an RFID chip, is used to automatically transmit processing parameters, including waste information, between processing machines, allowing for electronic marking and identification of waste, enabling automated sorting and reducing manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sorting and separation of waste sheets is performed, then waste can be identified and separated, but high operating effort and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical sorting system with an automated electronic identification system using RFID tags. The reading device automatically detects RFID tags on sheets, electronically identifies waste sheets, and triggers their removal without manual intervention. This substitution of mechanical manual sorting with electronic automated detection resolves the contradiction by eliminating operating effort while maintaining high accuracy through electronic identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the printing press to automatically identify and mark waste sheets through RFID detection. The control unit autonomously processes the identification information and activates removal mechanisms without requiring operator intervention. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by making the waste identification process automatic and error-free while eliminating manual operating effort.
2Reliability
If complex design measures are implemented on the delivery for waste sorting, then waste separation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical delivery design measures with a simplified system using RFID tags and a reading device. Instead of modifying the physical delivery structure with complex mechanisms, the system uses electronic identification through RFID technology. The reading device detects tags and the control unit processes information electronically, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable waste separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag serves as an intermediary that carries identification information without requiring complex physical modifications to the delivery system. The tag enables waste identification through electromagnetic fields rather than mechanical means, allowing simple integration into existing delivery designs. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable waste separation through a simple, non-intrusive electronic mechanism.
3Productivity
If automated data transmission is implemented using transportable data carrier, then logistics efficiency is improved, but additional equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tags serve multiple functions: they identify sheets, store processing parameters, and enable automated data transmission. The reading device integrates with the existing printing press control system, serving both data collection and waste identification functions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving improved logistics efficiency through equipment that performs multiple tasks rather than adding dedicated separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag acts as an intermediary data carrier that enables automated information transfer without requiring complex communication infrastructure. The tag stores and transmits processing parameters and waste identification information through simple electromagnetic reading, improving logistics efficiency through automated data transmission while adding minimal equipment complexity compared to network-based solutions.
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 approach improves logistics in print production by enabling automated, accurate, and efficient sorting of waste, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing errors, while allowing partially usable sheets to be processed further.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID chip can communicate electromagnetically at a radio frequency with a writing and/or reading device
Data Source
AI summary
The method involves transporting values of processing parameters from a data medium to a controller of a processing machine e.g. pre-press device, or from the controller to a data medium, where the data medium exhibits an electronic storage medium. The data medium is brought together with a stack of arc-shaped copies of a printing medium e.g. paper, within the processing machine in such a manner that an automated data transmission takes places into the controller or from the controller. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a stack of arc-shaped copies of a printing medium (2) a method for processing arc-shaped copies of a printing medium.