Dual-Antenna RFID Syringe Reading for Reliable Tag Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2D barcode readers for syringes face reliability issues due to tight tolerance control and costly optical systems, making them inefficient for syringe information reading.
Innovation Solution
A system using two spaced antennas and an RFID reader circuit to determine the location of an RFID tag between the antennas based on signal parameter values, allowing reliable identification of the intended syringe through UHF RFID signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 2D barcode reader with optical system is used to decode barcodes on syringes, then syringe information can be read, but the system becomes complex and expensive due to the need for barrel lens and manual triggering mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical triggering system with an RFID-based electromagnetic system. Instead of using a barrel lens and manual optical triggering, the invention uses an RFID reader with antenna(s) to automatically detect and read RFID tags on syringes through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the complex mechanical components while maintaining reading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary carrier of syringe information. Instead of directly reading barcodes with complex optical systems, the RFID tag stores and transmits syringe data wirelessly to the RFID reader, serving as a mediator that simplifies the reader's design while enabling reliable information retrieval
2Reliability
If a 2D barcode reader with manual triggering is used, then syringe information can be read, but the triggering becomes unreliable due to tight tolerance control in mating components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical triggering system with contactless RFID electromagnetic communication. Instead of relying on precise mechanical mating between the reader and syringe components, the RFID system uses electromagnetic fields to activate and read tags, eliminating sensitivity to mechanical tolerance variations and improving triggering reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If a barrel lens is used in the light transmission path of a 2D barcode reader, then barcode decoding is possible, but the cost increases and factory calibration becomes difficult with low yield rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical barrel lens system with an RFID antenna-based electromagnetic system. This substitution eliminates the need for precision optical alignment and factory calibration of lens components, significantly improving manufacturing ease and yield rates while removing the source of calibration difficulties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RFID tags that can be easily manufactured and applied to syringes, replacing the need for expensive, precision-calibrated optical components. The RFID tags serve as disposable information carriers that are simpler and cheaper to produce at scale compared to barrel lens assemblies requiring factory calibration
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
Enhances the reliability and efficiency of syringe information reading by accurately identifying the intended syringe, overcoming the limitations of 2D barcode readers.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID reader circuit, the first antenna being connected to the RFID reader circuit, the first antenna being configured to receive a first signal from a first RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
A reader includes a first antenna, a second antenna spaced apart from the first antenna, an RFID reader circuit, and a processor. The first antenna and the second antenna are connected to the RFID reader circuit. The first antenna is configured to receive a first signal from an RFID tag. The second antenna is configured to receive a second signal from the RFID tag. The processor controls the RFID reader circuit to determine a first value of a signal parameter associated with the RFID tag based on the first signal and a second value of the signal parameter associated with the RFID tag based on the second signal, receives, from the RFID reader circuit, the first value and the second value, and determines, based on the first value and the second value, whether the RFID tag is located between the first antenna and the second antenna.