Storage Box Tag Layout for Empty vs Loaded State Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems cannot distinguish between a storage box that is empty or storing a load when loaded onto a cargo bed, limiting the ability to manage loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A storage box state identification system that uses wireless tags, radio wave shielding, and a state management table to identify whether a storage box is empty or storing a load by counting the number of response radio waves received from tags attached to the box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wireless tags are attached to storage boxes and read via antenna in cargo bed, then it is possible to know that a storage box is loaded onto the cargo bed, but it is impossible to identify whether the storage box stores a load or the storage box is empty
Solution Approach 1:
The storage box is divided into functional segments: radio wave shielding portions (first and second) that can be positioned to control radio wave transmission, and wireless tags (first and second) that serve as information carriers. By segmenting the identification function across multiple tags and shielding portions, the system can distinguish between empty and loaded states through differential tag detection
Solution Approach 2:
Radio wave shielding portions act as intermediaries between the wireless tags and the antenna. When the storage box is empty, the shielding portions are positioned to block radio waves from reaching certain tags. When loaded, the shielding portions move to different positions, allowing radio waves to reach different tags. This intermediary mechanism enables indirect detection of the storage box state
2Measurement precision
If multiple wireless tags and radio wave shielding portions are used to identify storage box state, then storage box state can be accurately identified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radio wave shielding portions serve multiple functions: they structurally support the storage box, provide radio wave shielding when needed, and act as mechanical linkages that move with the storage box load state. The wireless tags serve both as identification markers and as state indicators through their selective detectability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The storage box structure itself provides the radio wave shielding function through integrated shielding portions, eliminating the need for separate shielding devices. The movement of the shielding portions with the storage box load automatically controls which tags are detectable, providing self-service state indication without additional sensors or actuators
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
Accurately identifies the state of storage boxes as empty or storing, improving load management efficiency and enabling notification of missed loads or unloading completion.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna that receives a radio wave outputted from the wireless tag
Implementation Method 2
two radio wave shielding portions through which a radio wave does not pass
Data Source
AI summary
A storage box state determination system according to the present invention has: a storage unit that stores an identification information management table in which tag IDs of multiple wireless tags are associated with a storage box ID of a storage box, and a state management table in which an empty state and a storing state are associated with the number of tag IDs; an information acquisition unit that acquires the tag IDs using an antenna that receives radio waves of the wireless tags of the storage box 31; a number identification unit that identifies the number of acquired tag IDs which correspond to the storage box ID; and a state identification unit that identifies, on the basis of the number of acquisition, whether the state of the storage box as indicated by the storage box ID corresponding to the tag IDs is an empty state or a storing state.