Separable RFID Tag System for Product Status Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in accurately tracking the unsealed condition and use status of consumable products equipped with RFID tags, as they cannot distinguish between new and used items, leading to difficulties in inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A separable system comprising two units with antennas and memory for storing identification information, which changes signals in response to electromagnetic waves before and after separation, enabling wireless communication to track the status of individual packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RFID is simply attached to consumable products, then wireless communication capability is provided, but the ability to distinguish between new and used articles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is divided into a first RFID tag attached to the consumable product and a second RFID tag attached to the packaging. This segmentation allows the system to track different states: the first tag identifies the consumable itself while the second tag on the packaging indicates whether it is sealed or unsealed, enabling distinction between new and used articles through wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging acts as an intermediary carrier for the second RFID tag. By attaching the second RFID tag to the packaging rather than directly to the consumable product, the system creates an indirect tracking mechanism that can detect when the packaging is opened, thereby distinguishing between new sealed products and used unsealed products.
2Productivity
If RFID is attached to package, then inventory tracking is enabled, but accurate tracking of unsealed condition and use status becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tracking system is segmented into two independent parts: a first RFID tag on the consumable product and a second RFID tag on the packaging. This allows the system to simultaneously track inventory (using the first tag) and detect unsealed conditions (using the second tag on the packaging), preventing information loss about product status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the second RFID tag on the packaging to provide feedback about the sealed status of the product. When the packaging is opened, the second RFID tag detects this change in state and transmits new information, enabling continuous updates on unsealed condition and use status while maintaining inventory tracking through the first RFID tag.
3Device complexity
If single RFID tag is used on product, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for product status is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex RFID system, the invention segments the functionality into two simple RFID tags: one on the consumable product and one on the packaging. This segmentation maintains simplicity (each tag is simple) while achieving precise measurement of product status through the coordinated operation of the two tags, avoiding the need for a single complex system.
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 accurate tracking of unsealed conditions and use status of consumable products, allowing for effective inventory management by distinguishing between new and used items through unique identification signals.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna that transmits a signal... Upon receipt of an externally generated electromagnetic wave... a first signal... is transmitted from the antenna of the respective first unit or second unit via wireless communication
Data Source
AI summary
An RFID unit includes an RFID unit A and an RFID unit B that are separable on a break line, where the RFID unit A includes an IC chip portion A that stores an UUID and an antenna portion A, and the RFID unit B includes an IC chip portion B that stores an UUID and an antenna portion B. Before the RFID unit is separated into the RFID unit A and RFID unit B, either the RFID unit A or RFID Unit B transmits a first signal including the UUID. After the separation, at least either the RFID unit A or RFID unit B transmits a second signal, different from the first signal, including the UUID.