RFID Antenna and Tag Placement for Reconfigurable Product Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Processing systems used to generate products from multiple ingredients are often static and limited in their ability to produce a variety of products, requiring extensive modifications to mechanical, electrical, and software systems for reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an RFID system within the processing system, including RFID antenna assemblies and tag assemblies, to enable the proper placement and tracking of product containers and modules, allowing for efficient reconfiguration and data management, thereby facilitating the production of diverse products without extensive system modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processing system is reconfigured to generate different products, then product diversity is improved, but device complexity and modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is divided into modular components (product containers, product modules, brackets) that can be independently configured and repositioned. Each module contains RFID tags for identification, allowing the system to be reconfigured for different products by simply changing the arrangement and configuration of these standardized modules rather than modifying the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical reconfiguration systems with RFID-based identification and tracking. Instead of using mechanical switches, valves, or routing mechanisms to manage product variety, the system uses RFID tags and readers to identify and track different product containers and modules, simplifying the physical infrastructure needed to support product diversity.
2Measurement precision
If RFID tags are positioned on product containers and modules, then tracking precision and data management are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tags serve multiple functions: identification, tracking, and data storage about product containers and modules. A single RFID tag system provides all these capabilities, eliminating the need for separate mechanical identification systems, manual tracking processes, and data management mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding RFID components.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags are passive and automatically provide identification and tracking information when queried by RFID readers. The system components self-identify and self-track without requiring active participation from operators or complex manual tracking systems, reducing the operational complexity of the tracking function.
3Ease of operation
If product containers are releasably engaged on product modules, then ease of operation and reconfiguration are improved, but reliability of connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The product containers and modules are designed with pre-configured engagement features (slots, latches, alignment mechanisms) that guide proper connection. The RFID tags are pre-positioned to ensure correct orientation during engagement. This preliminary configuration ensures that even though the connection is releasable for easy reconfiguration, the connection reliability is maintained through proper mechanical design and alignment features.
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
Enables flexible and efficient production of various products by ensuring accurate placement of ingredients and modules, reducing contamination risks and operational complexity, while allowing for real-time data management and inventory control.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID antenna assembly configured to be positioned on a product module assembly of a processing system... A first RFID tag assembly is configured to be positioned on the at least one product container. The at least one product container is configured to position the first RFID tag assembly within a detection zone of the RFID antenna assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An RFID system includes an RFID antenna assembly configured to be positioned on a product module assembly of a processing system. The product module assembly is configured to releasably engage at least one product container. A first RFID tag assembly configured to be positioned on the at least one product container. The at least one product container is configured to position the first RFID tag assembly within a detection zone of the RFID antenna assembly whenever the product module assembly releasably engages the at least one product container.