Autonomous Robot Antenna for Transponder Reading in Tyre Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing pneumatic tires with transponders in warehouses are inefficient due to the need for manual reading of transponders, which requires operators to frequently descend from forklifts and navigate around stacks, leading to significant time losses and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An autonomously guided robot equipped with a reader device and a telescopic antenna is used to read transponders on vertically stacked pneumatic tires, allowing for simultaneous reading of all tires in a stack without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual reading of transponders is used, then reading capability is achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of descending from forklifts and physically approaching each tire with an automated robotic system. The robot autonomously navigates to stacks, positions itself, and performs transponder readings without human intervention, substituting manual labor with automated mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs self-navigation, self-positioning, and self-execution of transponder reading tasks. The robot independently identifies stacks, moves to appropriate positions, and completes readings without requiring operator descent or manual guidance, making the system self-sufficient for the reading operation.
2Productivity
If forklifts are used for tire handling, then tire movement capability is achieved, but reading efficiency deteriorates due to operator constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the tire handling function (performed by forklifts) from the transponder reading function (performed by autonomous robots). This segmentation allows each system to optimize for its specific task, with forklifts focusing on movement and robots focusing on reading, thereby improving overall reading efficiency without complicating either system's operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed to work in conjunction with existing forklift operations, serving as a complementary multi-functional system. The robot can read transponders on stationary stacks and on moving forklifts, providing universal reading capability across different operational scenarios without interfering with forklift productivity.
3Length of stationary object
If additional external transponders are applied on tire surfaces, then reading distance is improved, but costs and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding physical transponders to tires, the patent uses a robotic system that creates a functional copy of the reading capability at the forklift location. The robot reads the existing embedded transponders up close, eliminating the need to modify tires with additional external transponders while achieving the same information capture goal.
4Productivity
If elongated antennas are inserted into tire stacks for reading, then simultaneous reading capability is achieved, but operational time and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical antenna insertion method with a robotic system that uses proximity-based reading. The robot positions itself near the tire stack and reads transponders without physical insertion, substituting the intrusive mechanical approach with a non-contact or minimal-contact reading method that reduces time and damage risk.
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 significantly reduces operator time and risk of damage by enabling automated, efficient reading of transponders, improving warehouse management and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
transponders (i.e., with electronic devices that are suitable for communicating using radio frequency)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Autonomously guided robot (8) for the automatic recognition of pneumatic tyres (2) fitted with transponders (7) and arranged in a stack. The autonomously guided robot (8) has: a main body (21) that is capable of moving independently within a storage warehouse (1) wherein the stack of pneumatic tyres (7) is arranged; a reader device (9) which is provided with a reader component (10) and an antenna(11) and that is capable of reading the transponders (7); a movement unit (14) which is mounted on the main body (21) and that supports the antenna (11) for moving the antenna (11) in relation the main body (21) in a vertical direction (Z); and a control unit (24).