RFID Transponder System for Mining Machine Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID technologies in mining operations face challenges in maintaining operational safety and optimizing energy consumption due to environmental influences affecting signal field strength, which can lead to unreliable location tracking of personnel and machines.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a reference transponder mounted at a defined distance from the transmitting unit, with a calibration cycle to adjust signal field strength based on the response signal, optimizing the measurement signal field strength and energy balance by continuously controlling the transmitting power, ensuring precise distance determination and a safety range around the mobile machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the signal field strength of the transmitter signal is increased to ensure reliable detection of transponders, then the detection reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmitter signal field strength adjustable rather than fixed. The controlling unit dynamically adapts the signal field strength based on real-time detection of reference transponder signals, allowing the system to use minimum necessary power for reliable detection while avoiding excessive energy consumption when higher signal strength is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the response signal from the reference transponder to control the transmitter signal field strength. The control unit continuously monitors the reference transponder's response and adjusts the transmitter signal accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the transmitter signal field strength is continuously adjusted to compensate for environmental influences, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the system automatically compensate for environmental influences without external intervention. The control unit autonomously monitors the reference transponder signal and adjusts the transmitter signal field strength to maintain consistent measurement conditions, eliminating the need for manual calibration or complex external compensation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the transmitter signal field strength parameter in response to environmental variations. The control unit modifies this key parameter based on the reference transponder's response, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain measurement precision without requiring complex hardware modifications.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transmitting units are used to improve location tracking accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the monitoring function into multiple transmitting units, each responsible for a specific spatial zone. This allows the system to achieve improved location tracking accuracy through multiple measurement points while controlling total energy consumption by having each unit operate independently at optimized power levels rather than requiring all units to operate at maximum power simultaneously.
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 solution enhances operational safety by maintaining a consistent signal field strength, optimizing energy consumption, and ensuring reliable detection of personnel and machine tags within a predetermined safety radius, despite environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitting unit (21) at the mobile machine (50), with at least one receiving unit (22) at the mobile machine (50), with at least one non-machine-related RFID transponder (8, 70) which can be activated by means of a transmitter signal of the transmitting unit (21) and in the case of activation is contactlessly detected by means of the receiving unit (22)
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for increasing the operational safety of mobile machines in mining operations by utilizing RFID technology includes a transmitting unit at the mobile machine, a receiving unit, and a non-machine-related RFID transponder which can be activated by the transmitting unit and in the case of activation is contactlessly detected. A reference transponder and a control unit for actuating the transmitting unit and evaluating transponder signals in measuring cycles is provided. To improve the energy requirement of the method and system, the reference transponder may be mounted on the mobile machine at a defined distance, stored in the control unit, from the transmitting unit. The signal field strength L of the transmitter signal of the transmitting unit may be changed in dependence on the response signal of the reference transponder in a calibration cycle (KCB) for eliminating the environmental influences.