Telescopic RFID Antenna for Reading Stacked Tire Transponders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing pneumatic tires in warehouses, especially those fitted with transponders, are inefficient due to the need for manual reading of transponders, which requires operators to frequently descend from forklifts and move readers to each tire, leading to significant time losses and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

An autonomously guided robot equipped with a reader device and a telescopic antenna is used to read transponders on vertically stacked pneumatic tires, allowing for simultaneous reading of all tires in a stack without the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual reading of transponders is used with forklifts, then operators can identify pneumatic tires, but significant time is lost due to frequent descent and repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransponder reading accuracyVSAvoidoperator time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (operator descending from forklift with portable reader) with an automated electromagnetic system (fixed reader with elongated antenna that reads transponders remotely). The reader remains stationary while the forklift moves, eliminating the need for operator intervention and significantly reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the elongated antenna - that extends the reading capability beyond the normal 1-2 meter range. This antenna acts as a mediator between the fixed reader and transponders on tires at greater distances, enabling reading without manual repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If additional transponders are applied on the outer surface of pneumatic tires, then reading distance is increased, but costs and waste are considerably increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransponder reading distanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding physical transponders to the tires, the patent substitutes a technical solution that modifies the reading system - using an elongated antenna with a fixed reader to extend reading distance without any additional transponders, thereby avoiding the associated costs and waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual extension of the reading capability through the elongated antenna, which effectively copies or replicates the transponder reading function at extended distances without requiring physical duplication of transponders on each tire.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If elongated antenna is inserted into stack of pneumatic tires, then simultaneous reading of all transponders is enabled, but operator must still descend from forklift or perform complex maneuvers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereading efficiencyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the reader fixed and the forklift mobile. Instead of the operator moving the reader to the tires, the forklift moves with the tires while the reader remains stationary, automatically maintaining reading capability without complex maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service reading where the fixed reader with elongated antenna automatically reads transponders as tires pass by on the forklift, without requiring operator intervention to position or operate the reading device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 significantly reduces operator time and increases efficiency by enabling automated and simultaneous reading of transponders on stacked tires, while also being cost-effective and easy to implement.

Implementation Method 1

transponders (i.e., with electronic devices that are suitable for communicating using radio frequency) that make it possible to remotely communicate information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12287631B2Method for the management of a warehouse that houses pneumatic tires fitted with transponders and arranged in vertical stacks

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 BRIDGESTONE EURO NV SA

AI summary

Autonomously guided robot (8) for the automatic recognition of pneumatic tyres (2) fitted with transponders (7) and arranged in a stack. The autonomously guided robot (8) has: a main body (21) that is capable of moving independently within a storage warehouse (1) wherein the stack of pneumatic tyres (7) is arranged; a reader device (9) which is provided with a reader component (10) and an antenna (11) and that is capable of reading the transponders (7); a movement unit (14) which is mounted on the main body (21) and that supports the antenna (11) for moving the antenna (11) in relation the main body (21) in a vertical direction (Z); and a control unit (24).