Industrial Vehicle RFID Tag Sequence Validation for Missing Tags

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing industrial vehicle navigation systems using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags do not effectively handle malfunctioning tags, which can disrupt the sequence and functionality of vehicle operations in tag layouts.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a tag reader and reader module that identify individual tags, compare them to a sequence list, and generate a missing tag signal for irregularities, allowing the vehicle controller to adjust operational functions based on the correlation of vehicle functionality with malfunctioning or identified tags, including positional data and user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the system uses RFID tags for vehicle navigation and operation control, then the vehicle can automatically identify locations and execute functions, but malfunctioning tags can disrupt sequence and functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic navigation and operation controlVSAvoidoperation reliability with malfunctioning tags
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors tag identification sequences and compares them against expected sequences. When a discrepancy is detected (such as a missing or malfunctioning tag), the system generates feedback signals to alert operators and can automatically adjust operations to maintain reliability while preserving the automated navigation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes expected tag sequences and validation rules before operation begins. This preliminary configuration allows the system to proactively detect and respond to malfunctioning tags before they cause operational failures, maintaining reliability while enabling automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the system requires all tags to be functional for operation, then navigation accuracy is maintained, but any malfunctioning tag stops vehicle operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoidvehicle operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring all tags to be fully functional, the system performs partial validation by checking sequences incrementally. When a malfunctioning tag is detected, the system can continue operations with reduced functionality or alert operators for replacement, rather than completely stopping production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares backup validation methods and alternative navigation approaches in advance. When a tag malfunction occurs, these pre-prepared measures allow the vehicle to maintain navigation accuracy through alternative means, preventing complete operational shutdown

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the system immediately stops operation upon detecting a malfunctioning tag, then navigation errors are prevented, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of navigation errorsVSAvoidoperational downtime for tag replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its response to detected tag malfunctions based on the severity and context. For minor issues, it continues operation with monitoring; for critical failures, it stops navigation but maintains other functions. This dynamic approach prevents navigation errors while minimizing operational downtime

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the system implements comprehensive tag sequence validation, then malfunctioning tags are detected, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of malfunctioning tagsVSAvoidvalidation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The validation system is divided into modular components: tag reading modules, sequence comparison modules, and response generation modules. Each module performs a specific function independently, making the overall system easier to implement, maintain, and debug while achieving comprehensive validation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables the industrial vehicle to maintain operational functionality even with malfunctioning tags by correlating vehicle operations with stored data, ensuring continuous operation and reducing the need for immediate tag replacement or repair.

Implementation Method 1

a RF identification reader... When the automatic guided vehicle passes over a tag, the RFID reader reads a code off the tag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3292069B1Industrial vehicle for identifying malfunctioning sequenced tag
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 CROWN EQUIP CORP
  • EP3292069B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3292069B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3292069B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an industrial vehicle is provided comprising industrial vehicle hardware, tag reader, reader module, user interface, and vehicle controller. The tag reader and reader module cooperate to identify individual sequenced tags along an aisle path of a tag layout in accordance with a sequence list accessible to the reader module. The reader module compares a succession of sequenced tags with at least a portion of the accessible sequence list to determine if the succession of sequenced tags is in sequence along the aisle path in accordance with the sequence list and generates a missing tag signal for a malfunctioning sequenced tag when the comparison of the succession of sequenced tags with the sequence list indicates a sequence irregularity in the plurality of sequenced tags. The reader module then correlates vehicle functionality with the malfunctioning sequenced tag when a missing tag signal is generated.