Shelf Partition Antenna for Automatic Container Refill Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf systems for managing containers with objects in production facilities rely on manual processes, leading to susceptibility to errors and inefficiencies in refilling empty containers.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a reading antenna within the partition walls of the shelf system, allowing for the automatic reading of identification labels on containers, which enables the system to determine the filling state of containers and initiate automatic refilling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual reading of identification labels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reading antenna is integrated into the partition wall structure, merging the detection function with the existing shelving system. This combination enables automatic identification of containers without requiring separate manual reading devices, thereby improving productivity while keeping the system structure unified and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic detection and identification of containers through the integrated reading antenna, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The partition wall with embedded antenna continuously monitors container presence and status, allowing the system to self-manage inventory tracking and trigger refilling processes automatically.
2Ease of operation
If a reading antenna is integrated into the partition wall, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reading antenna is merged with the partition wall structure, combining two functional elements into a unified component. This integration allows the partition wall to serve both its structural purpose and the additional function of automatic identification, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through consolidation rather than addition of separate systems.
3Loss of time
If manual container reading is used, then device complexity is low, but loss of time increases due to manual processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated reading antenna in the partition wall enables automatic, continuous monitoring of container identification labels without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously detects container presence, reads identification data, and triggers refilling processes, eliminating time-consuming manual steps while managing complexity through automated self-service functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading antenna provides continuous automatic detection and reading of container identification labels as containers are placed or removed from compartments. This continuous operation eliminates interruptions and manual processing delays, maintaining constant monitoring of inventory status and enabling immediate response when refilling is needed.
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 solution significantly reduces human error by enabling automatic identification and refilling of containers, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the shelf system in managing container contents.
Implementation Method 1
the slot antenna is shaped on the partition wall in such a way that an electromagnetic coupling exists with the antenna of the identification label
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting containers that can be filled with objects, wherein several containers are arranged next to each other and/or one above the other and/or one behind the other, with identification labels attached to the respective containers, each having a chip and an antenna, wherein the chip contains an identifier for identifying objects arranged in the respective containers, and with a reading device for reading the identifier, wherein a partition is arranged in the area of at least one container, which has a reading antenna coupled to an evaluation unit of the reading device for transmitting the identifier stored in the chip of the identification label to the evaluation unit of the reading device.