UHF RFID Shielding for Medical Device Tracking Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFId tracking methods face challenges in accurately detecting medical devices and sanitary goods due to interference from metal or liquid contents, close proximity of tags, and electromagnetic field interactions, leading to ineffective automatic detection and incorrect identification.
Innovation Solution
Implementing UHF RFId technology with dynamic antennae configurations and shielding to enable reliable detection within a controlled storage area, allowing for varied antenna orientations and polarizations to exclude adjacent zone interference, ensuring precise identification of tagged items within the storage zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive RFId tags are used for tracking sanitary goods and medical devices, then the system is cost-effective and easy to implement, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to interference from metal or liquid contents and close proximity of tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic antenna configurations that can change orientation and polarization during operation. The reading system adjusts antenna parameters in real-time to optimize detection angles and avoid interference from metal or liquid contents, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy while using cost-effective passive tags
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electromagnetic field parameters including frequency, polarization, and antenna orientation to overcome interference. By varying these parameters, the reading system can detect tags even when they are in close proximity or surrounded by metal/liquid materials that would normally block or distort the electromagnetic field
2Quantity of substance
If multiple tags are placed in close proximity for comprehensive tracking, then coverage is improved, but detection reliability deteriorates due to electromagnetic field interference and tag collision
Solution Approach 1:
The reading system dynamically adjusts antenna orientation and polarization to sequentially detect multiple tags in close proximity. By changing the electromagnetic field configuration, the system can isolate and read individual tags even when they are physically close together, preventing tag collision and maintaining reliable detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic modulation of the electromagnetic field and sequential reading approaches to detect multiple tags. By alternating between different antenna configurations and using periodic signal modulation, the system can distinguish between multiple tags and reliably detect each one without interference
3Area of stationary object
If electromagnetic field range is extended to cover larger storage areas, then tracking coverage is improved, but interference from adjacent zones increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements directional antennas with focused beam patterns that concentrate the electromagnetic field in specific directions. This allows the system to cover large storage areas by sequentially scanning different zones with localized high-intensity fields, preventing interference from adjacent zones while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The reading system dynamically adjusts antenna orientation and beam direction to target specific storage zones. By directing the electromagnetic field precisely where needed and adjusting the coverage area in real-time, the system can monitor large areas without causing interference between adjacent zones
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 approach enhances tracking accuracy and reliability, reducing operator intervention and errors, enabling comprehensive monitoring of medical devices and sanitary goods from entry to patient, optimizing inventory management and cost attribution.
Implementation Method 1
RFId (acronym of Radio Frequency Identification)... based on the remote reading of information contained in an RFId tag by using RFId tag readers or connectivity devices
Implementation Method 2
shielding of the area arranged for storage of the materials and goods... restricting the range of radiofrequencies (UHF)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method for tracking sanitary materials and goods with a RFId identification system; the materials and goods provided with at least one label containing a microchip containing data of the material or good and an antenna; the materials and goods placeable in a storage area provided with a plurality of transceiving radio frequency identification antennae and associated connectivity devices; the plurality of antennae and connectivity devices placed so as to receive and exchange information via RFId technology inside the set area, so as to automatically record and detect the loading and/or collecting of the labeled materials and goods and exchange information relative to the identified objects; the method includes: a) carrying out the exchange of tag-antenna information in a range of radiofrequencies comprised between 850 and 960 MHz (UHF); and b) restricting the range of radiofrequencies (UHF) through the shielding of the area arranged for storage of the materials and goods.