RFID Tag Mobile Data Collector for Industrial Machine Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current on-demand data collection systems for industrial machines are costly in terms of time and resources, complex to operate, and prone to human error, with bulky units that may compromise functionality and require significant training and investment in personnel and software to manage correctly.
Innovation Solution
A data management system that includes a mobile data collector with sensors and RFID tags, which automatically identifies machines and collects data, reducing complexity by using a host computing device to analyze and manage data, and allowing for real-time monitoring and trend analysis, thereby improving efficiency and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile data collection units are used for on-demand data collection, then data collection flexibility is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data collection functionality into two separate components: a simple mobile data collector for field operations and a stationary host computing device for data management. This segmentation allows the mobile unit to remain simple while the system as a whole provides flexible data collection capabilities across multiple machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary devices that automatically identify machines and link them to their corresponding data collection profiles. This intermediary eliminates the need for complex manual machine identification and setup procedures, simplifying the mobile unit's operation while maintaining system versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile data collection units are used for on-demand data collection, then data collection flexibility is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures data collection parameters, machine profiles, and operating constraints in the host computing device before field operations. When the mobile collector approaches a machine, RFID tags automatically retrieve the pre-configured settings, eliminating time-consuming manual setup and allowing operators to quickly transition between different machines.
3Weight of moving object
If unit size is reduced to improve mobility, then movement between machines is improved, but functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes system functionality across different dimensions: the mobile data collector handles portable field operations with essential sensing and RFID capabilities, while the host computing device provides comprehensive data management, storage, and analysis. This dimensional distribution allows the mobile unit to remain compact while the system maintains full functionality.
4Extent of automation
If complex software is used to manage data collection, then data management capability is improved, but training requirements and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated machine identification through RFID tags that automatically retrieve and apply the correct data collection profiles and operating constraints. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually configure complex settings, reducing training requirements while maintaining sophisticated data management capabilities.
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 system enhances data collection efficiency by automating the identification and measurement process, reducing human error, and providing real-time monitoring and analysis, thus improving the accuracy and speed of data collection while minimizing resource allocation.
Implementation Method 1
the mobile collector device may include a tag reader configured to read a tag identifier from an RFID tag coupled to the machine
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for collecting and/or managing data are provided. The system includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to a plurality of machines. Each of the plurality of RFID tags includes a tag ID. The system also includes a mobile data collector configured to take a measurement of one or more operating conditions of the plurality of machines and to read the tag ID from a proximal one of the plurality of RFID tags. The system also includes a computing device including a processor and a memory storing a database, the database associating the tag ID of each of the plurality of RFID tags with the one of the plurality of machines to which it is attached. Further, the computing device is configured to receive the measurement and the tag ID from the mobile data collector and analyze the one or more operating conditions.