RFID system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Processing systems used to combine ingredients are often static and limited in their ability to generate diverse products, requiring extensive modifications to mechanical, electrical, and software systems for reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an RFID antenna assembly with a loop antenna and capacitive components, along with a magnetic field focusing assembly using a split ring resonator, allows for the detection of specific RFID tags and enables RFID-based actuation, facilitating the proper placement and tracking of ingredients within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a loop antenna assembly with circumference no more than 25% of the wavelength is used, then the RFID system achieves better near-field detection capability and reduced far-field interference, but the detection range and signal strength are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested RFID antenna assemblies where a second loop antenna assembly is positioned inside the first loop antenna assembly. The inner antenna has circumference no more than 25% of wavelength while the outer antenna has larger circumference, allowing the system to combine the near-field precision of small antennas with the extended range of large antennas through spatial nesting
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID antenna system is divided into multiple segmented loop antenna assemblies with different circumference sizes. Each segment serves a specific detection zone, with inner segments handling close-range precise detection and outer segments providing broader coverage, allowing the system to overcome the limitations of single-size antennas
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RFID antenna assemblies are positioned close together to monitor multiple slots, then comprehensive ingredient tracking is achieved, but adjacent antennas may detect each other's tags causing false positives
Solution Approach 1:
Each loop antenna assembly is designed with specific local characteristics where the inner antenna (circumference ≤25% of wavelength) provides focused near-field detection for its specific slot, creating distinct detection zones that minimize cross-interference between adjacent antenna assemblies while maintaining comprehensive multi-slot monitoring capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive modifications are made to mechanical and electrical systems to reconfigure processing systems for different products, then the system can generate diverse products, but the reconfiguration time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical reconfiguration systems with RFID-based detection and control systems. RFID tags on ingredients provide digital identification that enables software-based routing and processing decisions, eliminating the need for physical reconfiguration of mechanical components when switching between different ingredient types or products
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 configuration enhances the system's flexibility and efficiency in producing various products by ensuring accurate ingredient placement and tracking, reducing contamination risks and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID antenna assembly 452 may include a capacitor assembly 500 coupled between ground 502 and port 504 that may be configured to energize an inductive loop assembly 508 with a carrier signal 512 having a defined frequency. The inductive loop assembly 508 may generate a magnetic field 566 in a near-field region 590
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic field focusing assembly 568 may include a split ring resonator assembly 598 that may be magnetically coupled to the inductive loop assembly 508 and that may be configured to focus at least a portion of the magnetic field 566 produced by the inductive loop assembly 508
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic field focusing assembly includes a magnetic field generating device configured to generate a magnetic field, and a split ring resonator assembly configured to be magnetically coupled to the magnetic field generating device and configured to focus the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field generating device.