RFID-Tagged Consumable Detergent for Machine Operation Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwashers do not fully utilize the properties of all-in-one detergent tablets containing soap, rinse aid, and salt, as they lack the ability to select the best machine setup based on the composition of these components, leading to suboptimal operation and potential inefficiencies in energy and water usage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a biodegradable radio frequency communication tag within the detergent tablet that provides data on the type and quantity of components, allowing the machine to optimize its operation and ensuring compatibility, which can be read using a radio frequency communication reader integrated into the dishwasher, eliminating the need for a battery with an energy harvesting circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a detergent tablet contains multiple consumable components (soap, rinse aid, salt), then the product provides comprehensive cleaning functionality, but the machine cannot optimize operation based on the specific composition and quantity of these components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine operation optimizationVSAvoidconsumable component composition data

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

An RFID tag is introduced as an intermediary carrier between the consumable components and the machine's reader. The tag stores and transmits data about the type and quantity of consumable components, enabling the machine to read and optimize its operation without direct sensing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual configuration or mechanical sensing methods with a radio frequency communication system. The RFID tag and reader enable wireless data exchange about consumable component composition, eliminating the need for physical inspection or manual input of product specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an RFID tag is added to the detergent tablet to store composition data, then the machine can optimize operation, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine operation optimizationVSAvoidconsumable product structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is designed as a disposable, low-cost component embedded in the detergent tablet. Since the tablet is consumed anyway, the tag's temporary presence and subsequent disposal (along with the tablet) do not create long-term complexity or waste management issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag is nested within the detergent tablet structure, integrating the communication component into the existing product form factor. This nesting approach minimizes additional space requirements and maintains a compact overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If the RFID tag contains an energy harvesting circuit, then the tag can operate without a battery, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery-free operationVSAvoidtag circuit design

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy harvesting circuit enables the RFID tag to generate its own operating power from the electromagnetic field emitted by the machine's reader during the scanning process. This self-powering mechanism eliminates the need for external batteries or wired power connections, making the tag truly autonomous.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 by adjusting settings based on the detergent composition, ensuring compatibility, and providing environmentally friendly operation through biodegradable tags.

Implementation Method 1

a radio frequency communication tag comprises data indicative of a type of consumable component to which said consumable components belong

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the radio frequency communication tag comprises an energy harvesting circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11113484B2Consumable product and method of providing the same

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 NXP BV

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.