RFID Waterjet Part Tracking Project
Short Description:
Flow International is exploring the use of RFID technology for two key purposes: notifying customers about machine part replacements and detecting counterfeit parts in their waterjet machines. The report aims to provide research to support decision-making on RFID integration. Testing revealed that RFID performance varies based on the environment, with ranges from 2 inches to 20 feet. The team considered the impact of water on RFID systems and strategically designed a system using water to enhance range. They explored alternative designs and acknowledged limitations in testing all tag, reader, and antenna combinations. Despite constraints, the team is confident in the effectiveness of their design, considering the wide range of tags tested with a reputable reader.
Overall System Layout
Design of RFID on High Pressure End Cap (HPEC) and Check Valve
Design of RFID on On/Off Valve
Twist-Lock Nozzle Design
Overall System Configuration
Sparkfun Simultaneous RFID Reader (left) – M6E Nano and HF RFID Reader – Mifare RC522 (right)
The 14-Segment Toaster
Short Description:
The design took the form of a 14-segment display constructed from heating wire to toast the bread. Special high-ampere-rated relays were employed to activate individual segments, triggered by optoisolator circuit components controlled by the aforementioned microcontroller. Other specifications and limitations of the system include, but are not limited to, high heat application, high current usage, multi-stage power consumption, strategic timing, and extensive hands-on assembly—details of which will be discussed later in this report.
