RFID Sensor Label Printer for Cold Chain Temperature Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature logging methods for sensitive goods are costly, inefficient, and unsuitable for individual packages, lacking flexibility and automation, leading to significant waste and quality issues in the cold chain management, particularly in food transportation, which results in economic losses and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A thin film temperature sensor label with an RFID chip, integrated into a low-cost, highly adaptable format, connected to a computing system for individual configuration, monitoring, and reporting, along with a cloud-based management system and a dedicated printer for efficient initialization and implementation, enabling precise temperature logging and data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional temperature loggers are used for monitoring individual packages, then temperature data can be recorded, but the cost becomes high and automation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides temperature monitoring into individual package-level units using thin film sensor labels with RFID tags, allowing each package to be monitored independently rather than using expensive centralized logging systems. This segmentation enables scalable deployment across many individual packages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual initialization and configuration processes with automated RFID-based communication between the printer and sensor labels. The programming unit automatically configures each label without manual intervention, eliminating the need for mechanical/manual setup operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual initialization and configuration is used for sensor labels, then customization is possible, but productivity decreases and labor dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor label system enables self-service configuration through automated RFID communication. When a label is fed into the printer, the programming unit automatically detects the RFID tag and configures it with appropriate parameters without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions during the printing process itself. The programming unit pre-configures each sensor label with necessary parameters before the label is detached and applied to packages, ensuring readiness for immediate use without subsequent manual setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thin film sensor labels are used for individual packages, then adaptability to small packages improves, but the complexity of automated feeding and printing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printer system is designed with multi-functionality, combining standard printing capabilities with RFID programming and automated label feeding. This universal design allows the same device to handle various package sizes and types without requiring separate specialized equipment for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the feeding mechanism, printing unit, and RFID programming function into a single integrated system. The sensor label feeder combines with the printer and programming unit to create a unified device that automatically handles the entire label initialization process in one continuous operation.
4Quantity of substance
If existing temperature logging systems are used, then bulk monitoring is achievable, but individual package tracking and flexibility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments temperature monitoring into discrete package-level units, with each thin film sensor label independently monitoring its associated package. This segmentation enables both bulk monitoring capability and individual package tracking, as each unit operates autonomously while contributing to the overall monitoring system.
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
The solution provides efficient, automated, and cost-effective temperature monitoring for individual packages, reducing waste and ensuring quality compliance, thereby minimizing economic losses and environmental impact by optimizing cold chain management.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor label comprises a temperature sensor communicating with a computing means, wherein the sensor label comprises a RFID chip
Data Source
AI summary
Present invention comprise sensor label, printer assembly, method and system for production and initializing the sensor label, and a method for monitoring the temperature chain of a transport session with goods under transport and/or storage.