RFID Reader Positioning in Automated Storage Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional article storage equipment requires significant time for the article confirmation process due to the need to temporarily move storage containers to a lift deck for identification verification, which prolongs the process and is inefficient when dealing with multiple storage units.
Innovation Solution
The equipment incorporates a passive-type RFID tag on the storage containers and an RFID reader on the supporting member, allowing for identification verification without moving the containers, by extending the supporting member to a reading-out level that avoids interference from the metal plate-like storage units, enabling efficient reading of identification information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the article supporting member is extended to the projecting position at the fetching level lower than the plate-like member, then the article supporting member does not come into contact with the plate-like member, but the RFID reader cannot read the RFID tag due to interference from the metal plate-like member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension adjustment by raising the article supporting member to a target fetching level higher than the initial fetching level. This dimensional change positions the RFID reader above the metal plate-like member, allowing RFID signals to pass through without interference while maintaining the retracted position for contact avoidance.
2Measurement precision
If the article supporting member is raised to the target fetching level higher than the fetching level, then the RFID reader can read the RFID tag without interference from the plate-like member, but the article supporting member may come into contact with the plate-like member during the raising process
Solution Approach 1:
The control means first extends the article supporting member to the projecting position at the lower fetching level before raising it to the target fetching level. This preliminary action ensures the article supporting member is properly positioned and the container is secured before the raising operation, preventing contact during the vertical movement.
3Ease of operation
If the conventional fetching process is used to take out the article storage container, then the container can be transported to the article access portion, but significant time is required for the article confirmation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically moving containers for identification verification with an electromagnetic RFID reading system. The RFID reader mounted on the article supporting member can read tags remotely without requiring the container to be transported to a specific verification location, dramatically reducing confirmation time.
4Device complexity
If the RFID reader is mounted on the article supporting member at the fetching level, then the structure is simple, but the metal plate-like member interferes with the RFID signal reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the article supporting member vertically movable between different levels (fetching level and target fetching level). This dynamic positioning allows the RFID reader to switch between a lower position for structural simplicity and a higher position for effective RFID reading, with the control means selecting the appropriate level based on operational requirements.
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 reduces the time required for article confirmation by allowing identification verification without physically moving the containers, minimizing interference from the storage unit structure and improving the accuracy of RFID tag reading.
Implementation Method 1
the article storage container has a passive-type RFID tag storing identification information of the article storage container... the article supporting member has an RFID reader for reading out the identification information stored in the RFID tag
Data Source
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AI summary
Article storage equipment includes a passive-type RFID tag T storing identification information of an article storage container U and provided in a portion of an outer periphery of the article storage container U overlapping above a plate-like member 11 with the article storage container U being placed on a storage unit, and control means H configured to perform a reading-out operation process for controlling operation of conveying means when execution of an article confirmation process for allowing a RFID reader D to read out the identification information of the RFID tag T provided in the article storage container U stored in the storage unit is instructed to extend an article supporting member 8 to a projecting position at a fetching level, raise the article supporting member 8 to a target reading-out level higher than the fetching level by a raised amount for reading, and then lower the article supporting member 8 to the fetching level to be withdrawn to a retracted position.