Active RFID Transponder with Galvanic Cell Antennas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional active RFID transponders are rigid and large due to their battery size, making them unsuitable for integration into rubber products like tires, where flexibility is required.

Innovation Solution

An active RFID transponder with two antennas made of different metals acting as a galvanic cell battery, embedded in a rubber matrix with an ionic liquid, allowing for flexible configuration and integration into rubber products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a conventional battery is used to power the active RFID transponder, then the transponder can maintain functionality over a longer period, but the transponder becomes larger and more rigid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality durationVSAvoidtransponder size
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the battery function with the antenna structure by using two antennas made of different metals (e.g., zinc and copper) that form a galvanic cell when in contact with the ionic liquid. This merging of power supply and communication functions eliminates the need for a separate battery, achieving long-term functionality through electrochemical reactions while maintaining a compact, flexible form factor suitable for rubber product integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material structures where the antenna elements are made of different metals with distinct electrochemical properties. The zinc antenna serves as the anode and the copper antenna as the cathode, creating a galvanic cell within the rubber matrix filled with ionic liquid. This composite approach enables both power generation and electromagnetic functionality in a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of moving object

If a conventional battery is used to power the active RFID transponder, then the transponder can maintain functionality over a longer period, but the transponder loses flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality durationVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the battery function with the antenna structure by using two antennas made of different metals (e.g., zinc and copper) that form a galvanic cell when in contact with the ionic liquid. This merging of power supply and communication functions eliminates the need for a separate battery, achieving long-term functionality through electrochemical reactions while maintaining a compact, flexible form factor suitable for rubber product integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and composition of the electrolyte from conventional solid or gel battery components to a liquid ionic liquid embedded in the rubber matrix. This parameter change enables the power supply system to conform to the flexible rubber substrate, maintaining flexibility while providing sustained electrochemical energy conversion over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of moving object

If the transponder is made smaller to improve flexibility, then it can be integrated into rubber products, but the battery capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransponder sizeVSAvoidfunctionality duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the antenna structure serve multiple functions: it acts as both the electromagnetic radiation element for RFID communication and the electrochemical power source through the galvanic cell. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery compartments, allowing the entire transponder to be miniimized while maintaining both communication capability and power supply duration in a compact, flexible form.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the battery function with the antenna structure by using two antennas made of different metals (e.g., zinc and copper) that form a galvanic cell when in contact with the ionic liquid. This merging of power supply and communication functions eliminates the need for a separate battery, achieving long-term functionality through electrochemical reactions while maintaining a compact, flexible form factor suitable for rubber product integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Length of moving object

If two antennas of different metals are used to create a galvanic cell, then the transponder becomes more flexible and smaller, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransponder sizeVSAvoidantenna configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the antenna structure serve multiple functions: it acts as both the electromagnetic radiation element for RFID communication and the electrochemical power source through the galvanic cell. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery compartments, allowing the entire transponder to be miniimized while maintaining both communication capability and power supply duration in a compact, flexible form.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the battery function with the antenna structure by using two antennas made of different metals (e.g., zinc and copper) that form a galvanic cell when in contact with the ionic liquid. This merging of power supply and communication functions eliminates the need for a separate battery, achieving long-term functionality through electrochemical reactions while maintaining a compact, flexible form factor suitable for rubber product integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 smaller, more flexible active RFID transponders that can be integrated into rubber products, extending their application range and maintaining functionality over a longer period.

Implementation Method 1

the first antenna and the second antenna comprise different metals in order to provide an electrode potential between the first antenna and the second antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGalvanic cell: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

the two antennas not only serve to receive and/or transmit electromagnetic waves, but also simultaneously function as a battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy conversion: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

the rubber matrix being filled with an ionic liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

the two antennas not only serve to receive and/or transmit electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 5

the microchip, the first antenna, and the second antenna are embedded in a rubber matrix, which allows for a flexible design

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3671527B1Active RFID transponder
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3671527B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3671527B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an active RFID transponder comprising a microchip, a first antenna, and a second antenna connected to the microchip via a signal, wherein the microchip, the first antenna, and the second antenna are embedded in a rubber matrix, the rubber matrix being filled with an ionic liquid, and wherein the first antenna and the second antenna comprise different metals in order to provide an electrode potential between the first antenna and the second antenna. The present invention further relates to an elastomeric product comprising the active RFID transponder according to the invention, and to the use of the active RFID transponder according to the invention in an elastomeric product.