RFID Tag with Electroluminescent Layer for Baggage Location
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for locating specific baggage in aircraft cargo bays are time-consuming and inefficient, especially in cramped, poorly lit environments, leading to potential departure and arrival delays due to the need for manual searching and the challenges of identifying items in dark conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a passive or active RFID tag with an integrated electroluminescent layer that glows when interrogated, allowing for quick identification of tagged items in dark environments, combined with an RFID reader that uses unique tag identifiers to determine the location of the items within the cargo bay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual searching methods are used to locate baggage in cargo bays, then personnel can identify items by physically examining tags, but the process becomes time-consuming and leads to departure delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual searching process with an automated RFID detection system. The RFID reader automatically detects and locates baggage tags using electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for personnel to physically climb into cargo bays and manually examine each tag, thus resolving the contradiction between identification accuracy and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediaries attached to baggage and RFID readers as intermediary devices for detection. These intermediaries enable automatic identification and location of baggage without direct human intervention in the cargo bay, significantly reducing search time while maintaining accurate identification
2Ease of operation
If personnel climb into cargo bays to search for baggage, then they can access and examine items, but the cramped and poorly lit environment makes the search difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of personnel physically navigating cramped cargo bays with an automated RFID detection system. The RFID reader can be operated from outside the cargo bay, eliminating the need for personnel to enter difficult-to-access spaces, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing search time
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags on baggage perform the identification function automatically when interrogated by the RFID reader. The system serves itself by enabling automatic detection and location of baggage without requiring human personnel to physically search through the cargo bay, improving operational ease and efficiency
3Productivity
If traditional manual methods are used to locate baggage, then no additional equipment is needed, but the aircraft must remain on the tarmac longer causing costly delays
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID reader device serves multiple functions: it can read RFID tags on baggage, determine their locations within the cargo bay, and provide this information to personnel. This multi-functional approach improves turnaround efficiency without requiring multiple separate systems, thus managing device complexity while enhancing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system acts as an intermediary layer between the baggage and the personnel searching for it. By introducing this intermediate detection system, the patent enables rapid identification of baggage locations, significantly improving turnaround efficiency while the added complexity is offset by the elimination of manual search processes
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 solution significantly reduces the time required to locate and remove specific baggage items, minimizing delays and improving operational efficiency by enabling precise and rapid identification of tagged items, even in challenging environments like aircraft cargo bays.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated electroluminescent layer that glows when interrogated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A device (110) comprises an RFID tag (120), and an electroluminescent layer (130) on a surface of the RFID tag (120). The RFID tag (120) causes the electroluminescent layer (130) to glow in response to an interrogation signal.