RFID Tag Application and Encoding Device for Vial Inventory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual RFID scanning of vials in storage apparatuses is labor-intensive and prone to errors, leading to inventory control issues, logistical difficulties, and potential loss of samples due to the need for individual scanning and updating of each vial.

Innovation Solution

An RFID device with an applicator and reader that automatically applies and encodes RFID tags on vials, linking them to a database for tracking, allowing for wireless or wired communication with a host computer for real-time inventory management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual RFID scanning is performed for each vial, then inventory tracking is achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory tracking accuracyVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple operations (vial placement, RFID tag application, encoding, and database association) into a single integrated automated process. The RFID reader, applicator, and database interface are merged into one system that operates automatically when vials are placed in the storage apparatus, eliminating the need for separate manual scanning steps and thereby improving both reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs inventory tracking automatically without requiring manual intervention. When vials are placed in the storage apparatus, the RFID reader automatically detects and reads the tags, and the system automatically associates the information with the database, allowing the system to serve itself in tracking inventory without human labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If individual manual scanning of each vial is performed, then inventory updates are achieved, but human errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory list accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic feedback loops where the RFID reader continuously monitors vial presence and status, and the system automatically updates the database based on detected changes. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates human error in inventory updates by removing manual intervention entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of scanning and updating inventory lists with an automated electronic system. The RFID reader and database interface automatically handle inventory tracking, substituting human operators with electronic automation to eliminate errors while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If RFID tags are applied and encoded manually, then vial identification is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevial identification accuracyVSAvoidtag application time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs RFID tag application and encoding in advance as part of the initial setup process. When vials are first placed in the storage apparatus, the system automatically applies and encodes the RFID tags before any inventory operations begin, eliminating the need for repeated manual tagging and encoding during subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system maintains continuous operation for tag application and encoding. Once the system is set up, it continuously and automatically applies and encodes RFID tags on vials as they are placed in the storage apparatus, eliminating interruptions and time loss associated with manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Automates the inventory tracking process, reducing human error and increasing efficiency by enabling simultaneous encoding and database association of vial information, thus improving inventory control and reducing logistical challenges.

Implementation Method 1

The reader with an attached antenna can be configured to communicate with the RFID tag and a host computer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10445537B2Radio frequency identification tag application and encoding device

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 TERSO SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A radio frequency identification (RFID) encoding device can comprise an applicator, an RFID reader with an antenna, and a housing having a receptacle. The receptacle can be configured to receive a vial. The applicator can be configured to apply an RFID tag to the vial. The RFID reader can have at least one antenna. The antenna can be configured to communicate with the RFID tag. The device can be configured to communicate with a host computer.