Device for storing elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interference between RFID waves emitted by antennas in refrigerating structures used for storing biological and drug pouches hinders reliable reading of information stored on identification tags, making it difficult to check the state of the elements.
Innovation Solution
A device with stacked drawer units, each equipped with a second wireless communication unit and a data processing unit that controls the activation and deactivation of antennas to minimize interference, allowing reliable communication between RFID tags and readers, ensuring accurate information retrieval without cluttering the storage area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple RFID readers with antennas are arranged in refrigerating structures to read identification tags on pouches, then the ability to track and monitor stored elements is improved, but signal interference between antennas occurs making it difficult to reliably read information
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic time-division multiplexing where each antenna is activated sequentially at different time intervals rather than simultaneously. The control unit activates antennas in a predetermined sequence, allowing each antenna to transmit RFID signals in alternating time slots. This periodic activation eliminates signal interference between adjacent antennas while maintaining continuous monitoring capability across all storage locations.
2Productivity
If antennas are activated continuously to ensure constant monitoring of stored elements, then detection capability is improved, but signal interference increases making reading difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves continuous monitoring capability through periodic sequential activation of multiple antennas. While individual antennas are activated periodically rather than continuously, the collective system maintains constant surveillance by rapidly cycling through all antennas in a predetermined sequence. This approach eliminates interference while preserving overall monitoring productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple drawers are stacked vertically to increase storage capacity, then storage density is improved, but antenna interference between adjacent drawers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerating structure is divided into multiple independent drawer units stacked vertically, with each drawer containing its own RFID reader and antenna. This segmentation allows each antenna to operate independently in its specific time slot, preventing interference between adjacent drawers while maximizing vertical storage space utilization.
4Measurement precision
If a reader is arranged across from each drawer location to read tags, then reading coverage is improved, but the device becomes cluttered and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple RFID reader functions are merged into a single integrated control unit that manages all antennas across multiple drawers. Instead of placing separate reader devices at each drawer location, the system combines all reading functionality into one centralized unit that sequentially activates antennas in different drawers, reducing device clutter while maintaining comprehensive reading coverage.
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 enables reliable checking of the state and occupancy of elements, reduces signal interference, and improves reading efficiency, making it easier to manage and maintain the storage facility while being adaptable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a reader, such as an RFID reader comprising at least one antenna, is arranged across from the provided location of the pouches of each drawer in order to read and update the information contained in the tags for said pouches
Implementation Method 2
each second communication unit comprising at least one antenna having a radiation-zone field, the radiation-zone field of each antenna covering at least: the location across from the second communication unit of said antenna, and at least one location adjacent to said location across from the second communication unit of said antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for storing elements, each element including a first wireless communication unit. The device includes at least two drawer units each including: a drawer including a bottom defining at least one location for receiving an element; for each location, at least one second wireless communication unit including an antenna having a radiation-zone field, each antenna having a first state in which the antenna is activated and a second state in which the antenna is deactivated; and a data-processing unit able to control the activation and deactivation of the antenna of each second communication unit according to a control law.