Trailer-Silo Logical Coupling Using NFC/RFID Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering bulk materials from trailers to silos often result in incorrect deliveries due to human error, leading to administrative burdens and potential safety hazards, especially in environments with multiple nearby silos.
Innovation Solution
An automated logical coupling mechanism using wireless communication between a trailer and silos, involving movable connection means with wireless communication capabilities, ensures correct delivery by identifying and establishing a logical coupling through NFC or RFID technology, and optionally LoRa for longer-range communication, with energy transfer and sensing systems to ensure secure and accurate connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual coupling of hoses is performed by human operator, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but delivery accuracy deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical coupling process with an automated system using wireless communication (NFC/RFID) and mechanical coupling means. The reader device automatically detects the silo's identification signal and establishes a logical coupling, eliminating human error in the coupling process while maintaining system adaptability through programmable logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the reader device on the trailer autonomously performs identification, verification, and coupling establishment without human intervention. The mechanical coupling means automatically engages with the silo's coupling interface, and the control unit autonomously manages the logical coupling based on detected signals.
2Reliability
If automated identification system is implemented, then delivery accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional communication components
Solution Approach 1:
The reader device serves multiple functions: it acts as a wireless communication interface for NFC/RFID identification, a logical coupling establishment device, and a communication bridge between the trailer and silo systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a logical coupling as an intermediary layer between the physical mechanical coupling and the control systems. This logical coupling, established through wireless communication, mediates the connection verification and data exchange, simplifying the overall system architecture by separating identification from physical connection management.
3Reliability
If logical coupling verification is performed, then delivery safety is improved, but operation time increases due to additional verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs identification and logical coupling establishment as preliminary actions before the actual material transfer begins. The reader device detects the silo's identification signal and establishes the logical coupling in advance, so that when material transfer starts, the verification is already complete, minimizing additional time during the critical transfer phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication and logical coupling verification occur continuously during the approach and coupling phases, rather than as discrete interruptive steps. The system maintains continuous detection and verification, allowing the useful action of material transfer to proceed without interruption once the logical coupling is established.
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
Ensures correct and automated delivery of bulk materials to the intended silo by eliminating human error, reducing logistical issues and ensuring safety through robust, automated identification and mechanical coupling.
Implementation Method 1
a first wireless communication means, being for example a tag that can be read by a reader
Implementation Method 2
an energy transfer means being capable to transfer energy with the connection means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for correct delivery of goods, such as for instance bulk material, from a trailer to a storage facility such as for example a tank or a silo, wherein the correctness of the delivery is guaranteed in an automated manner, more in particular automated identification is used. The arrangement is provided with connection means and wireless communication means for achieving this.