Wireless Tag Reader for Storage Container Case Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage methods require complex associating operations before and after loading/unloading of accommodatable objects, and lack efficient management of identification information between cases and objects during storage.

Innovation Solution

A storage device and method utilizing wireless communication to acquire and manage specific case information and identification information of accommodatable objects using first and second wireless tags, associating these with region information for efficient management and tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bar code scanning and associating operations are performed before loading to manage multiple accommodatable objects in a case, then identification management is achieved, but the operation process becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification managementVSAvoidoperation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification reading function from the loading process itself. A wireless tag reader is integrated into the storage container to automatically read wireless tags of cases and their contents during the loading operation, eliminating the need for separate pre-loading associating operations with bar codes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage container is equipped with a wireless tag reader that serves multiple functions: reading case identification, reading content identification, and automatically managing the correspondence between them. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized bar code scanning and manual associating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If bar code scanning is performed at the opening section to identify cases and contents, then identification is achieved, but additional equipment and complex procedures are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveidentificationVSAvoidequipment and procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the identification reading function with the storage container structure itself. The wireless tag reader is integrated into the container, combining the storage function and identification function into a single unified system, eliminating separate bar code scanning equipment and procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage container performs its own identification and management functions through the integrated wireless tag reader. The system is self-sufficient, automatically reading and managing identification information without requiring external bar code scanners or manual associating procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual associating operations are performed before and after loading/unloading, then identification management is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to repeated operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification managementVSAvoidloading and unloading efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless tag reader continuously and automatically reads identification information during loading and unloading operations. This continuous automatic identification maintains reliable tracking without interrupting the workflow for manual associating operations, thereby preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical associating operations with an automated wireless communication system. The wireless tag reader automatically reads and manages identification information, substituting the manual bar code scanning and associating process with a more efficient automated electronic system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables easy management of cases and accommodatable objects by establishing a correspondence relationship, simplifying loading and unloading operations and improving storage efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

perform wireless communication with both a first wireless tag (23) attached to the case and second wireless tags (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3738908B1Storage device and storage method
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 FUJI CORP
  • EP3738908B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3738908B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C
  • EP3738908B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A storage device disclosed in the present description includes an acquisition section and a management section. When a case accommodating multiple accommodatable objects is loaded into a storage container, the acquisition section performs wireless communication with both a first wireless tag attached to the case and a second wireless tag attached to each of the multiple accommodatable objects. The acquisition section acquires specific information for specifying the case memorized in the first wireless tag and identification information for identifying each of the multiple accommodatable objects memorized in the second wireless tag. The management section associates the specific information and the identification information acquired by the acquisition section with each other to manage a correspondence relationship between the specific information and the identification information.