‘Smart Shoe’ technology embeds a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag in each sorter shoe and pin. As a result, each shoe and pin can be uniquely identified, monitored and managed by one (or more) RFID readers. A unique ‘pocket’ housing an RFID tag is molded into the shoe. Additionally, a doughnut-shaped ‘hubcap’ is placed over the pin roller. Inside the hubcap is a doughnut shaped RFID tag. A RFID reader and antennas are placed at both the drive and idler ends of the sorter.
As shoes or pins pass the antenna each is uniquely identified, counted and managed. Missing shoe and/or missing pin replacement is streamlined through the use of Smart Shoe technology. Maintenance times are reduced as maintenance personnel can request the missing shoe or pin be presented at a pre-determined maintenance area.
The RFID tags have read/write capability. If a shoe or pin is replaced the operator runs the Smart Shoe initialization routine and the replacement shoe or pin is provided with an updated naming convention – preserving the integrity of the shoe/pin count. Missing shoe and missing pin detection, divert confirmation and enhanced maintenance functionality are examples of ‘Smart Shoe’ technology in operation.
