Wireless Power and Data Transfer for Smart Inventory Bins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 'smart' bin inventory stocking solutions face limitations due to passive tag communication constraints, high costs and maintenance needs of active tags, and over-the-air communication issues that can lead to undetected tags.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a shelving unit with a first wireless component and a bin with a second wireless component, enabling wireless power transfer and bi-directional data communication between the shelving unit and the bin, thus eliminating the need for separate reader devices and reducing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive tag communication is used, then cost is reduced, but data transmission capability and bidirectional communication are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality between passive RFID tags (for identification) and active components integrated into reader devices (for data processing and bidirectional communication). This segmentation allows the tags to remain simple and inexpensive while the reader handles complex data transmission tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The reader device acts as an intermediary between the passive tags and the inventory management system. It receives limited data from passive tags via RFID, then processes and transmits this data bidirectionally through wireless internet connection, effectively overcoming the passive tag's communication limitations.
2Loss of information
If active tags with battery are used, then data transmission and bidirectional communication are improved, but cost increases and maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery and active communication components from the tags themselves and relocates them to the reader devices. This allows tags to remain passive and maintenance-free while the reader handles all active communication functions that require power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system eliminates the need for battery replacement by making the reader device responsible for all active communication functions. The reader, being a stationary device, can be easily maintained and replaced without disrupting the tags, which remain simple passive identifiers.
3Ease of operation
If over-the-air communication is used, then installation flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to range and interference issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RFID technology with wireless internet communication capabilities in the reader device. The RFID component handles reliable short-range tag detection, while the wireless internet connection provides robust data transmission to the inventory management system, creating a hybrid communication architecture that leverages the strengths of both technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The reader device serves as an intermediary that receives reliable short-range signals from passive RFID tags and translates them into robust wireless internet communications. This intermediary function ensures that detection reliability from RFID is maintained while achieving the installation flexibility of wireless communication.
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 system provides efficient, cost-effective, and reliable inventory management by enabling active two-way communication between bins and the network, reducing the need for battery replacements, and improving data accuracy and coverage.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical power is wirelessly transferred between the first wireless component and the second wireless component
Implementation Method 2
A data set is wirelessly transferred between the first wireless component and the second wireless component
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a shelving unit including a shelf defining a supporting surface. The shelving unit is electrically coupled to a power source and a network. The system further includes a bin removably positioned on the supporting surface; a module removably coupled to the bin; a first wireless component coupled to the shelf and in electrical communication with the network; and a second wireless component coupled to the bin or the module. Electrical power is wirelessly transferred between the first wireless component and the second wireless component. A data set is wirelessly transferred between the first wireless component and the second wireless component. The module is in electrical communication with the network.