Rotatable RFID Tag with Color-Coded Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset management methods, such as manual searches and legacy RFID systems, are inefficient and costly, particularly in large institutions like hospitals, where tracking high-value mobile assets like defibrillators or portable computers is challenging due to issues like battery life, reliability, and installation burdens.
Innovation Solution
A system using rotatable tags with extended battery life, multiple frequency operation, and a cylindrical design that indicates the status of assets via color-coded indicia, integrated with a real-time location system (RTLS) that communicates via RF links and utilizes existing hospital infrastructure, allowing for efficient tracking and monitoring of assets without disrupting existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual asset searches are used, then personnel can locate assets, but it is overly time consuming and unsuccessful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical searching with an automated electronic system. RFID tags attached to assets communicate wirelessly with readers positioned throughout the facility, enabling automated detection and tracking of asset locations without human intervention in the physical search process.
Solution Approach 2:
The asset tracking system enables self-service functionality where the system automatically identifies and reports asset locations and statuses. The RFID infrastructure continuously monitors asset positions and makes this information available through user interfaces, allowing personnel to independently locate assets without requiring manual search efforts.
2Reliability
If barcodes are affixed to devices, then asset identification is possible, but it is time consuming, unsuccessful and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical barcode scanning with radio frequency identification. RFID tags embedded in or attached to assets communicate with readers through wireless RF signals, eliminating the need for line-of-sight scanning and manual barcode reading processes. This substitution improves reliability by enabling detection through various materials and distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system provides multiple functions beyond simple identification: it tracks asset locations, monitors asset status (available, in-use, maintenance), and enables real-time querying. The same RFID infrastructure supports various operational needs including inventory management, security tracking, and utilization analysis.
3Loss of information
If legacy radio frequency tags are used, then location tracking is possible, but they do not provide device status information and are expensive and disruptive to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional RFID system where tags not only provide location tracking but also convey asset status information (available, in-use, maintenance, lost). The system integrates with existing hospital infrastructure including power outlets and network systems, eliminating the need for separate installation infrastructure and reducing deployment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a unified system: location tracking, status monitoring, and communication capabilities are integrated into the RFID tag and reader infrastructure. The system merges with existing hospital power and network infrastructure, consolidating multiple systems into a coordinated platform that reduces overall complexity.
4Loss of information
If rotatable tags with color-coded indicia are used, then asset status is visually indicated, but the tag structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded visual indicators on RFID tags to communicate asset status at a glance. Different colors represent different states (e.g., green for available, red for in-use, yellow for maintenance). This visual coding system provides immediate status information without requiring electronic displays or complex interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a rotatable cylindrical tag design where the circular cross-section allows rotational movement. The cylindrical shape enables the tag to be rotated to different orientations, with each orientation presenting different colored indicia that correspond to different asset statuses. This geometric approach provides multiple information states using a simple rotating mechanical structure.
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 provides reliable, long-term asset tracking with reduced battery replacement costs, improved accuracy, and non-disruptive installation, enabling better asset utilization and reduced costs by ensuring assets are in the right place at the right time, thus enhancing operational efficiency and patient care.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable tag (120) is configured to communicate with the reader (140) over an RF link (105)
Data Source
AI summary
An example embodiment provides a method, including: transmitting, from a hub, a request for information stored by at least one receiver, the request for information requesting information related to at least one tag affixed to a moveable object; receiving, at the hub from the at least one receiver, (i) presence information from the at least one tag affixed to a moveable object and (ii) identifying information of the at least one tag identifying the at least one tag and the moveable object corresponding to the at least one tag, wherein the presence information is received by the at least one receiver when the at least one tag is within a defined perimeter of the at least one receiver; receiving, at the hub from at least one receiver, use state information identifying a current use state of the moveable object received from the at least one tag; and storing, within a database associated with the hub, the presence information, identifying information, and use state information for the at least one tag and the moveable object, wherein the storing comprises updating a status of the at least one tag and the moveable object within the database with the presence information, identifying information, and use state information.