Work Station Antenna Placement for RFID and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for in-vitro fertilization procedures lack a secure method to accurately monitor and identify tagged or labeled biological samples, particularly due to limited read range of RFID antennas, which is impractical within sterile cabinets or similar environments, and fail to maintain controlled temperature conditions without interfering with RFID communication.
Innovation Solution
A work station with a temperature-controlled surface and an antenna located beneath the surface, utilizing a soft magnetic member and an electrically-insulating plate to communicate with RFID tags via a wireless electromagnetic link, ensuring detection of tagged items without close proximity and maintaining temperature control without disrupting RFID signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an RFID antenna is placed close to the work surface for reading tags, then the read range is improved, but the antenna interferes with temperature control of the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is relocated from a horizontal position near the work surface to a vertical position beneath the surface, changing its spatial dimension. This allows the antenna to maintain effective electromagnetic coupling with tags on the surface while being physically separated from the temperature control heating elements, thus resolving the interference between RFID reading and temperature control functions
2Temperature
If the antenna is located beneath the temperature-controlled surface, then temperature control is maintained, but the read range of the RFID signal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system increases the power output of the RFID reader to compensate for the distance between the antenna and the work surface. By adjusting the transmission power parameter, the RFID signal maintains sufficient strength to read tags even when the antenna is positioned beneath the temperature-controlled surface, thus extending the effective read range while preserving temperature control functionality
3Temperature
If a metal surface is used for temperature control, then thermal conduction is improved, but RFID signal penetration is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is constructed as a composite structure with a lower metal layer for thermal conduction and an upper non-metallic layer (such as ceramic or plastic) for RFID signal transparency. This composite design allows the metal to provide efficient heat distribution while the non-metallic upper layer permits electromagnetic waves to pass through to the tags, thus simultaneously achieving both thermal control and RFID compatibility
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
Provides a secure zone for monitoring biological samples during in-vitro fertilization procedures by enabling accurate detection and tracking of tagged items with improved read range and temperature control, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna for communicating with a memory tag via a wireless electromagnetic link
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a soft magnetic member and an electrically-insulating plate to communicate with RFID tags
Implementation Method 3
a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A work station (30) comprises a surface for supporting a sample; a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the surface; and apparatus for communicating with a memory tag via a wireless electromagnetic link. The apparatus is located beneath the surface in order to communicate with a memory tag on or over the surface. A soft magnetic member is provided. The temperature controller comprises a chamber containing a liquid; a pump for pumping the liquid into the chamber; an inlet channel between the pump and the chamber; and an inlet weir extending across the inlet channel so as to impede the flow of liquid through the inlet channel into the main chamber. The work station (30) is of particular use in the monitoring of samples being used in in-vitro fertilisation procedures.