RFID Tray With Embedded Antennae For Automated Sample Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID-based tracking systems for laboratory sample carriers are inefficient due to the need for hand-held readers with short range and complex anti-collision software, making it time-consuming and difficult to interpret data for workflow tracking, especially when carriers are transported on trays.
Innovation Solution
A two-part tray system with an upper disposable portion and a lower portion containing RFID reader antennae and electronic processing means, powered by a rechargeable battery, that automatically reads and logs information from RFID tags on carriers without external power, allowing for wireless or wired data transfer to a central device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-held RFID readers are used to track carriers on trays, then RFID tags can be read, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires conscious operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The tray system performs RFID reading operations automatically without requiring operator initiation. The reader antennae continuously monitor for carriers and automatically read RFID tags when carriers are placed on or removed from the tray, eliminating the need for conscious operator intervention and manual triggering of reading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID reader antennae are pre-positioned on the tray structure, ready to detect and read RFID tags as soon as carriers are placed in the designated bays. This preliminary positioning of reading capability eliminates the need for operators to manually initiate reading operations after carriers are loaded.
2Length of stationary object
If longer range RFID readers are used to read carriers on trays, then reading range is improved, but complex anti-collision software is required and data interpretation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single long-range reader that requires complex anti-collision software to manage multiple tags, the system employs multiple short-range reader antennae positioned at specific locations on the tray. Each antenna reads only the RFID tags in its immediate vicinity, eliminating the need for complex anti-collision algorithms while maintaining effective tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading function is segmented into multiple localized reader antennae distributed across the tray structure. Each antenna handles a small, defined reading zone, which simplifies the reading operation and eliminates the need for complex software to manage overlapping reading fields that would be required with a single long-range reader.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable upper tray portion is used to meet cleanliness requirements, then cleanliness and disposal ease are improved, but the tray structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided into two distinct segments: a disposable upper tray portion that contacts carriers and can be discarded after use, and a permanent lower tray portion containing the RFID reader antennae and electronics. This segmentation allows the disposable portion to meet cleanliness requirements while the permanent portion provides durable tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic tracking components (reader antennae and processing means) are extracted from the disposable upper tray portion and placed in a separate permanent lower tray portion. This extraction allows the upper portion to be simple, disposable, and easy to manufacture while the lower portion houses the complex electronics that enable automatic tracking.
4Volume of moving object
If passive RFID tags are used on carriers due to size constraints, then carrier size requirements are met, but the RFID signal strength is relatively weak
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an active RFID reader antenna system as an intermediary to compensate for the weak signal from passive RFID tags. The reader antennae are positioned close to the carriers and can be oriented to optimize signal reception, effectively amplifying the weak passive tag signals without requiring larger carriers or stronger tags.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to increase tag power (which would require larger carriers), the system compensates for weak signals by positioning multiple reader antennae in three-dimensional space around the tray. The antennae can be oriented at different angles and positions to capture signals from carriers regardless of their orientation, effectively compensating for weak tag signals through spatial arrangement.
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 efficient, automated tracking of laboratory sample carriers with minimal operator intervention, meeting cleanliness requirements and facilitating real-time location monitoring of trays and their contents within a laboratory.
Implementation Method 1
Laboratory sample carriers may be provided with radio frequency identification (RFID) means usually in the form of an RFID tags for facilitating tracking the movement of the carriers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tray (1) is provided for transporting laboratory sample slides (40) or other carriers including radio frequency identification means (42). The tray (1) comprises an upper tray portion (2) including positioning means (6a, 6b) defining a plurality of carrier bays (10), and a lower tray portion (4). The tray portions (2, 4) include locating means (12) for locating the upper tray portion (2) in an overlying relationship with respect to the lower tray portion (4). The lower tray portion (4) also includes radio frequency identification reader antennae (14) positioned to read information from the radio frequency identification means (42) of the carriers (40) when the tray portions (2, 4) are located with respect to each other and electronic processing means (16) connected to the reader antennae (14). A method of tracking laboratory sample carriers is also disclosed.