RFID Sample Box Mapping Through Frost and Ice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID systems for tracking biological samples in freezers are inefficient due to the inability to read through frost and ice, leading to potential sample thawing and increased human error in sample location mapping.
Innovation Solution
A box mapper apparatus with a biphase digit antenna and temperature sensors that can read RFID tags on sample vials and boxes, allowing for automated mapping and temperature monitoring without manual intervention, even in frozen conditions, and integrating with freezer electronics for remote data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If barcode scanning is used to read sample vials, then sample identification is possible, but the system cannot read through frost and ice, requiring manual cleaning that contributes to sample thawing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical barcode scanning systems with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system. The RFID reader uses electromagnetic fields to communicate with RFID tags on sample vials and boxes, enabling reading through frost, ice, and packaging materials without physical contact or cleaning, thus eliminating the harmful effect of sample thawing while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Loss of information
If manual mapping of sample box contents is performed, then sample locations can be recorded, but human errors increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic mapping of sample box contents by placing the box on a box mapper that automatically reads RFID tags on all vials and boxes within the container. The system self-determines the identity and position of each sample without human intervention, eliminating human errors in data entry while dramatically increasing mapping productivity through automated batch processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and data entry with automated RFID reading systems. The box mapper uses electromagnetic fields to automatically detect and record the positions of all samples in a box, substituting human cognitive and manual operations with automated electronic systems that are both more accurate and faster.
3Ease of operation
If frost and ice are removed from sample boxes, then barcode reading becomes possible, but the cleaning process takes time and may cause sample thawing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical barcode reading systems that require clear surfaces with RFID reading systems that use electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the need for removing frost and ice from sample boxes, as RFID signals can penetrate these materials, thereby eliminating the time-consuming cleaning process and associated thawing risks while maintaining ease of operation.
4Measurement precision
If alcohol cleaning is used to remove frost, then barcode scanning can proceed, but the cleaning method itself may cause sample thawing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical barcode scanning requiring alcohol cleaning with RFID scanning that uses electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the need for alcohol cleaning entirely, as RFID tags can be read through frost, ice, and packaging materials without contact, thereby maintaining barcode readability equivalent functionality while preserving sample temperature stability and preventing thawing.
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 accurate and efficient tracking and monitoring of sample locations and temperature history, reducing human error and sample integrity issues by automating the process and maintaining sample integrity during storage.
Implementation Method 1
a set of antennae configured to read the vial RFID tags of the sample vials
Implementation Method 2
a biphase converter configured to convert an applied signal into a first signal component and a second signal component, out of phase with the first signal component
Implementation Method 3
The metallic spring provides a thermal conductive path between the sample vial and the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A box mapper has (i) a frame configured to receive a sample box of RFID-tagged sample vials and (ii) a set of antennae configured to read the vial RFID tags of the sample vials to determine the identity and position of each sample vial in the sample box. In one embodiment, the set of antennae include two mutually orthogonal subsets of biphase digit antennae.