Wireless RFID Shelf Labels for Flexible Item Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID sorting systems using wired indicators are inflexible, require complex infrastructure, and cannot adapt to different storage units, limiting their scalability and mobility.
Innovation Solution
An RFID sorting system utilizing wireless indicators that communicate with an RFID reader to control on/off states, allowing flexible adaptation to various storage units and enabling mobility without complex infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wired indicators are used in RFID sorting systems, then the sorting function is achieved, but the system becomes inflexible and requires complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical/electrical connections with wireless RFID communication. The RFID reader communicates wirelessly with RFID tags attached to storage units, eliminating the need for physical wiring infrastructure while maintaining the indicator function. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by removing the complex wired infrastructure while preserving the sorting indication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system provides universal applicability across different storage unit types and configurations. The wireless RFID tags can be attached to any storage unit without requiring infrastructure adaptation, making the system universally applicable to various storage scenarios while keeping the system simple and flexible.
2Ease of operation
If sorting systems are directly integrated on storage units, then sorting indication is provided, but storage units lose mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed wired connections with wireless RFID communication, allowing storage units to move freely while maintaining communication with the RFID reader. The wireless nature of RFID tags enables them to provide sorting indication functionality without physically constraining the storage units, thus preserving mobility while enabling sorting indication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable sorting system is positioned in front of storage units, then storage unit mobility is preserved, but system structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the indication function from a complex movable sorting system structure and implements it through simple wireless RFID tags attached directly to storage units. This extraction eliminates the need for complex movable sorting system structures while preserving storage unit mobility and providing the necessary sorting indication functionality through the simplified RFID approach.
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 a cost-effective, scalable, and mobile solution for sorting items into storage units, reducing setup complexity and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID reader is configured to communicate wirelessly with the plurality of RFID tags and the plurality of RFID labels
Data Source
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AI summary
An RFID sorting system (60) for sorting items into assigned storing units, comprising a plurality of RFID tags (10), a plurality of RFID labels (20) and an RFID reader (40). Each RFID tag (10) is attachable to an item such as garment (19). Each RFID label (20) is attachable to or close to a storing unit such as a compartment of a shelf (29) and comprising an indicator (21), the indicator (21) being selectively switchable in an off-state (22) or on-state (23). The RFID reader (40) is configured to communicate with the plurality of RFID tags (10) and the plurality of RFID labels (20). The RFID reader (40) comprises a control unit (41) configured to control the RFID reader (40) to wirelessly identify an RFID tag (10) of the plurality of RFID tags (10), assign one of the plurality of RFID labels (20) to the identified RFID tag (10), and wirelessly command the indicator of the assigned label to switch in off-state or on-state.