Telescopic Robotic Arm Baggage Recording System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual baggage handling and RFID tag reading in airports are labor-intensive, error-prone, and inefficient, especially in dynamic environments where baggage loading positions change frequently, requiring a more automated and accurate system for baggage recording.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic robotic arm with embedded RFID readers, one on a disc and one on a pivot, performs redundant reading of RFID tags on baggage during loading and unloading, ensuring high accuracy and adaptability to dynamic environments, and communicates with a computer system for accurate data association with containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual baggage handling and RFID tag reading is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but reading accuracy decreases and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic arm system that positions baggage and triggers RFID reading automatically. The robotic arm eliminates human error in positioning and timing, while the automated system coordinates the mechanical movement with RFID tag reading, achieving both high accuracy and reduced complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by having the robotic arm automatically position baggage and trigger RFID reading without human intervention. The system monitors its own operation, detects when baggage is properly positioned, and autonomously initiates the reading process, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining high accuracy.
2Reliability
If a single RFID reader is used on the robotic arm, then device complexity is reduced, but reading reliability decreases due to dynamic positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RFID reading function into multiple independent readers positioned at different locations on the robotic arm. Each reader is responsible for a specific zone or angle, ensuring that at least one reader can successfully read the RFID tag regardless of the baggage's final position or orientation. This segmentation of the reading function improves reliability without requiring a single complex reader.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates appropriate RFID readers based on the real-time position and orientation of the baggage. As the robotic arm moves and positions baggage, the system adapts by activating the most suitable reader for that specific configuration, ensuring reliable reading while optimizing the use of available readers rather than requiring all readers to be constantly active.
3Productivity
If automated robotic arm loading is implemented, then productivity increases, but adaptability to dynamic loading positions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to adapt to various loading positions and orientations. The system can adjust its movement patterns, speed, and final positioning based on real-time feedback about the container state and baggage characteristics, enabling high productivity while maintaining versatility across different loading scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the actual position and orientation of baggage during loading. This feedback is used to adjust the robotic arm's movements and activate the appropriate RFID readers, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic positions while maintaining automated efficiency. The feedback loop ensures that productivity is not compromised by the need to handle varying positions.
4Measurement precision
If multiple RFID readers are deployed, then reading accuracy improves through redundancy, but loss of time increases due to multiple readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by having multiple RFID readers operate in a coordinated sequence rather than simultaneously. Readers are activated in a specific order based on the robotic arm's position and the likelihood of successful reading, with each reader attempting to read the tag. This periodic activation pattern reduces the total time compared to simultaneous operation while maintaining the accuracy benefits of multiple readers through systematic redundancy.
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 system significantly reduces manual labor, minimizes errors in RFID tag reading, and enhances the efficiency of baggage handling by enabling automatic and accurate recording of baggage information, even in dynamic environments, through redundant RFID reading and real-time data communication.
Implementation Method 1
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification technology that stores and remotely retrieves data from electronic tags using radio waves.
Data Source
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AI summary
An airport baggage recording system is provided. The system (100) has a telescopic robotic arm (101) that loads airport baggage. The robotic arm (101) has one end connected to an upright (102) by a pivot (104) and a second end connected to a disc (103). A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader (105) is located in the disc (103) that reads RFID tags on the airport baggage when the airport baggage is placed on the disc (103) during loading. Another RFID reader (105) is located on the pivot (104) that reads the RFID tags on the airport baggage when the airport baggage is placed on the disc (103) during loading. The RFID reader (105) in the disc (103) and the RFID reader (105) on the pivot (104) both read the RFID tags on the airport baggage to prevent errors in reading the RFID tags on the airport baggage during loading.