Single RFID Reader Layout for Multi-Tool Holder Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production machines require multiple RFID readers for each tool holder to identify different production tools, leading to increased implementation effort and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single RFID reader is positioned off-center between production equipment receptacles to detect RFID transponders with varying signal amplitudes, allowing identification of different tools or supplies using the Manchester protocol, and a control unit assigns the type based on signal amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple RFID readers are installed at each tool holder to identify different production tools, then the identification reliability is improved, but the device complexity and implementation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RFID reader functions into a single RFID reader by positioning it between two tool holders. The reader detects signals from both tool holders simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate readers at each location while maintaining identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single RFID reader positioned between tool holders serves multiple functions: it can identify tools in both the first and second tool holders, and can distinguish between different tool types based on signal amplitude variations. This multi-functional approach reduces the overall number of readers needed.
2Device complexity
If a single RFID reader is positioned between production equipment receptacles to reduce device complexity, then the implementation effort is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the RFID reader at a specific location between tool holders and utilizing the different signal amplitudes received from each side. The control unit processes these amplitude differences to locally identify which tool holder contains which type of tool, transforming a detection difficulty into an identification advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from binary detection (presence/absence) to amplitude-based detection. By measuring the signal amplitude and comparing it against expected amplitude ranges for different tool types, the system can identify tools even with a single reader positioned between receptacles.
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
Reduces the need for multiple RFID readers by enabling the identification of multiple tools or supplies with a single reader, simplifying the recognition process and reducing implementation effort.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID reader transmits an excitation signal in the form of a high-frequency electromagnetic field via a loop antenna
Implementation Method 2
The received excitation signal is modulated according to identification information stored in the RFID transponder
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a production machine (1) for manufacturing or further processing a product using different types of production equipment (6); comprising: - At least two spaced-apart production equipment receptacles (7), each configured to receive a specific type of production equipment (6), wherein the respective production equipment (6) is one of several production equipment (6) of the specific type; - An RFID reader (8) arranged or configured between the production equipment receptacles (7) to receive a response signal from an RFID transponder (9) attached to the production equipment (6), wherein the RFID reader (8) is configured or arranged such that, depending on in which of the production equipment receptacles (7) the production equipment (6) is arranged, the response signal is received with different amplitudes.