RFID-Tagged Consumable Product for Adaptive Machine Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers do not fully utilize the properties of all-in-one detergent tablets, as they have a static setup for salt, soap, rinse aid, and water hardness, making it impossible to select the best machine setup for these tablets, leading to suboptimal operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a biodegradable radio frequency communication tag within the detergent tablets that provides data on the type and quantity of components, allowing the machine to optimize its operation based on the tag's information, and eliminating the need for a battery through energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static machine setup is used for detergent tablets, then the machine structure remains simple, but the machine cannot optimize operation based on different tablet compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent tablet contains an embedded RFID tag that automatically provides composition information to the machine. The system self-configures by reading the tag data, eliminating the need for manual machine setup or complex user configuration interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag embedded in the detergent tablet provides feedback information about the tablet's composition (soap, rinse aid, salt content) to the machine's reader. This feedback enables the machine to automatically adjust its operation parameters based on the actual detergent composition.
2Loss of information
If an RFID tag is embedded in the detergent tablet, then data on component types and quantities can be provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is integrated directly into the detergent tablet matrix, merging the communication function with the consumable product. This combination eliminates separate information carriers and reduces overall system complexity despite adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag serves multiple functions: identifying the detergent type, indicating component quantities, and potentially tracking usage. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple information needs into a single component, reducing the need for separate systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a biodegradable RFID tag is used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag uses a biodegradable substrate (cellulose acetate) combined with conductive materials for the antenna and circuit elements. This composite structure maintains RFID functionality while enabling biodegradation, balancing environmental requirements with manufacturing feasibility.
4Use of energy by moving object
If energy harvesting is used to eliminate batteries, then the consumable product becomes fully biodegradable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag harvests energy from the electromagnetic field generated by the machine's reader during communication. This self-powering approach eliminates batteries and makes the entire consumable product biodegradable, as the energy harvesting circuit uses minimal non-biodegradable materials.
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 optimized machine operation for energy and water savings, prevents machine malfunction by ensuring compatibility, and promotes environmental sustainability by using biodegradable tags.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor produces an analog output and includes output terminals. The radio-frequency chip comprises a memory element, input terminals and output terminals. The first antenna is disposed in electrical communication with the output terminals of the chip.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a consumable product is provided, comprising: one or more consumable components; a radio frequency communication tag; wherein said radio frequency communication tag comprises data indicative of a type of consumable component to which said consumable components belong. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a machine is provided, being configured to operate using a consumable product of the kind set forth; wherein said machine comprises a reader configured to read data from the radio frequency communication tag of the consumable product. In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method of providing a consumable product is conceived, comprising: including one or more consumable components in the consumable product; including a radio frequency communication tag in the consumable product; wherein said radio frequency communication tag comprises data indicative of a type of consumable component to which said consumable components belong.