RFID Specimen Puck Barcode Binding on Moving Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current specimen processing systems in laboratories are labor-intensive and inefficient, requiring manual handling and sorting of specimens, with existing conveyor systems being costly, complex, and limited in capacity due to mechanical and electrical components, leading to high maintenance costs and reduced throughput.
Innovation Solution
A continuous process method where specimen transport pucks move on a conveyor belt, allowing for the rotation and barcode reading of specimen tubes while moving, with barcode information being transferred to an RFID chip using a dispersed barcode reader and RFID reader/writer, reducing the need for mechanical parts and enabling continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and sorting of specimens is used, then labor intensity is high, but system complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated conveyor system that uses RFID technology for specimen tracking and identification. The conveyor belt mechanically transports specimens while RFID readers automatically read tags, eliminating the need for manual scanning and reducing labor intensity while maintaining system simplicity through non-contact identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as an intermediary between the specimen and the conveyor system. These passive tags are attached to specimen containers and enable automatic identification and tracking without requiring active power sources or complex mechanical interfaces, thereby increasing throughput while keeping the system relatively simple.
2Extent of automation
If existing conveyor systems with mechanical and electrical components are used, then maintenance costs are high, but automation extent is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electrical scanning systems with a simpler RFID-based identification system. The conveyor belt provides basic mechanical transport while RFID readers use electromagnetic fields to read tags, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning systems, optical scanners, and associated electrical components, thereby reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive RFID tags automatically provide identification information when activated by the reader's electromagnetic field, requiring no power source, calibration, or maintenance. The system components self-regulate through the natural interaction between the reader's field and the passive tags, minimizing the need for manual intervention and maintenance.
3Quantity of substance
If passive RFID tags are used instead of active RFID tags, then cost is reduced, but reading distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions RFID readers at specific locations along the conveyor belt where they read tags at close proximity as specimens pass by. This local reading approach compensates for the limited reading distance of passive tags, allowing the use of cost-effective passive tags while maintaining reliable identification through optimized reader placement and close-range reading geometry.
4Productivity
If continuous moving conveyor belt is used, then throughput is increased, but barcode reading accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical barcode scanning with RFID tag reading using electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the problems associated with scanning moving objects, as RFID readers can accurately read tags on continuously moving specimens without requiring precise optical alignment, slow scanning speeds, or stationary positioning, thereby maintaining high throughput while ensuring accurate identification.
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 method enhances efficiency and reduces costs by allowing continuous operation, minimizing mechanical parts, and increasing throughput, making the specimen processing system more efficient and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
Transfer/link/bind the barcode information to the RFID chip in the specimen transport puck using an RFID reader/writer while the specimen transport puck is continuously moving forward on the conveyor belt
Implementation Method 2
Rotate the specimen transport puck that is holding the specimen tube with the barcode label while the specimen transport puck is continuously moving forward
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to the process method of transferring/linking/binding specimen tube label barcode information (such as unique accession number along with other useful laboratory information such as test code information, testing department, specimen temperature) using an RFID Specimen Transport Puck moving continuously on a continuously moving conveyor belt and an RFID Reader/Writer that writes the information onto the RFID chip on the RFID Specimen Transport Puck. The process method is to space the specimen transport pucks on the conveyor, rotate the specimen transport puck that is holding the specimen tube with the barcode while the specimen is moving continuously forward using rotating wheels on the side of the conveyor belt and using a dispersed barcode reader to read the barcode information from the specimen tube label, and to transfer/link/bind the information from the specimen tube barcode label to the RFID chip on the specimen transport puck holding the specimen tube using an RFID reader/writer beneath the conveyor belt, a PLC and a database server.