Self-Powered Pallet for Noncontact IC Tag Data Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current physical distribution management systems using noncontact IC tags face challenges such as limited communication range, labor-intensive data reading, and high costs due to the need for dedicated readers at each site, which restricts the management of article locations, transport routes, and inventory storage states, especially in large warehouses and outdoors.
Innovation Solution
An article transport material equipped with noncontact communication means and a portable power supply, allowing communication with noncontact IC tags placed on articles without the need for readers at each site, enabling reliable communication and data reading across a controlled area above the base, thus eliminating the need for gate-type readers and reducing labor and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conveyor-type readers or gate-type readers are used to read noncontact IC tags, then data reading can be performed, but the system cannot manage the state of articles between passages and requires fixed paths
Solution Approach 1:
The article transport material (pallet) is equipped with its own noncontact communication means and portable power supply, enabling it to autonomously read and store data from noncontact IC tags on articles without requiring external readers. This self-service capability allows continuous monitoring of article states during transport and storage, resolving the limitation of fixed-path readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The article transport material acts as an intermediary between articles and the management system. It carries noncontact communication means that can read IC tag data from articles placed on it, and stores this data locally. This intermediary function enables flexible article state management without requiring direct connection to fixed readers at specific locations.
2Measurement precision
If gate-type readers are used for physical distribution management, then location management is possible, but the carrying-in and carrying-out paths are limited and freight is tied up
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet's integrated noncontact communication means enables data reading at any location without requiring passage through fixed gate-type readers. This eliminates path limitations and allows continuous transport operations, improving productivity while maintaining location management capability through the pallet's autonomous data collection.
3Quantity of substance
If noncontact IC tags are used for article identification, then large capacity information storage is achieved, but dedicated readers at each site are required increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The noncontact communication means and portable power supply are merged into the article transport material, creating an integrated reading system. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated readers at each site, reducing system complexity and cost while preserving the large information storage capacity of noncontact IC tags.
Solution Approach 2:
The article transport material with integrated noncontact communication means serves multiple functions: it transports articles, provides portable power supply, reads IC tag data, and stores information. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple dedicated readers at different locations, simplifying the overall system.
4Ease of operation
If bar code labels are used for article identification, then simple reading is possible, but distance and directional restrictions limit management range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical bar code reading system with a noncontact electromagnetic communication system. The noncontact IC tags use electromagnetic fields for data transmission, eliminating distance and directional restrictions inherent in bar code reading, while the portable power supply enables operation in various locations without fixed infrastructure.
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 enhances user satisfaction by enabling efficient communication with noncontact IC tags on articles, improving location management, transport route tracking, and inventory control within the physical distribution process, reducing labor and costs associated with reader installation and data input reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a noncontact IC tag that can be read in a noncontact manner using an electromagnetic wave
Data Source
AI summary
An article transport material loaded with an article on a base and used for transport includes noncontact communication means for conducting noncontact communications with a noncontact IC tag put on the article and portable power supply means for supplying electric power to the noncontact communication means, wherein the communication direction of the noncontact communication means is directed to the area above the base.