U-Shaped Antenna for RFID Animal Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal identification systems using low frequency RFID devices face inefficiencies and stress on animals due to baulking and tag collisions when multiple animals pass through a stock race, particularly when animals are not in single file or of different sizes.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped antenna apparatus with co-axial left and right coils generating a uniform magnetic field, angled panels to ensure single-file passage, and a controller for decoding RFID signals, allowing efficient and stress-free identification of animals while preventing tag collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional RFID reader is positioned above the race to identify animals, then animal identification can be performed, but animals may baulk, hesitate, run backwards, or jump out of the race causing stress and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna apparatus transitions from a traditional overhead positioning to a side-mounted configuration within the race. The U-shaped structure with co-axial coils is positioned laterally alongside the race path, changing the spatial dimension of interrogation from vertical (above) to horizontal (beside), thereby eliminating visual intimidation while maintaining identification functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the U-shaped antenna apparatus with angled panels - that mediates between the RFID reader and the animals. The angled panels create a funnel effect that guides animals through the race without direct visual contact with the reader, reducing stress while ensuring proper single-file passage for accurate tag reading
2Ease of operation
If animals are allowed to move freely through the race, then natural animal flow is maintained, but multiple animals may enter the read zone simultaneously causing tag collisions and reading failures
Solution Approach 1:
The race path is segmented by the angled panels into distinct zones that guide animals through in sequence. The panels create virtual divisions that enforce single-file movement, ensuring that only one animal's head enters the read zone at a time, thereby preventing tag collisions while maintaining continuous flow
Solution Approach 2:
The angled panels perform preliminary action by pre-positioning animals in correct single-file alignment before they reach the read zone. This preliminary guidance ensures that animals are properly spaced and oriented before entering the interrogation area, preventing simultaneous entry and tag collisions
3Measurement precision
If the antenna apparatus uses a U-shaped structure with co-axial coils to generate uniform magnetic field, then accurate RFID reading is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the left and right coils into a unified U-shaped structure with co-axial configuration. This combining of separate coil elements into an integrated U-shape creates a uniform magnetic field across the read zone while reducing overall structural complexity compared to having separate, independently positioned coils
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped antenna structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the uniform magnetic field required for accurate RFID reading, provides the structural framework for mounting angled panels, and creates the geometric configuration necessary for guiding animal flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity
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 antenna apparatus ensures efficient and stress-free animal identification by maintaining animal flow and preventing tag collisions, allowing accurate reading of RFID tags even when animals of varying sizes pass through simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
co-axial left and right coils generating a uniform magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The tag includes a passive RFID device, which absorbs enough energy while passing the field to radiate an identification signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna apparatus includes a structure configured to mount within a stock race to permit animals to pass therethrough. One or more antenna coils are attached to or within the structure and provide a magnetic field laterally across the structure. The coils may be arranged in a Helmholtz configuration to provide a substantially uniform field in a read zone. The structure may have an open top and the side walls of the structure may be slanted forwards.