Annular RFID Casing for Pressurized Fluid Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching RFID identification devices to fluid containers are costly and complex, and can lead to interference issues between adjacent containers on conveyor chains, affecting accurate data reading due to the variety of container shapes and materials.

Innovation Solution

An annular casing with a diameter of 3 to 15 cm, featuring an attachment surface that can be selectively secured or separated, with a pin passing through the housing to attach around the valve, allowing for flexible attachment and reduced interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fastening methods (glue, rivets, welding) are used to attach RFID devices to containers, then the attachment is secure, but the manufacturing cost increases and the process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidfastening process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is segmented into modular components: the annular casing with integrated attachment surfaces, removable fixing members (clips, tabs, or latches), and corresponding engagement features on the container. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly compared to monolithic fastening methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annular casing acts as an intermediary element between the RFID device and the container. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies attachment while ensuring secure fastening, mediating between the electronic component and the diverse container types without requiring direct customization for each container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the annular casing is made small to fit around container orifices, then it can accommodate various container sizes, but the RFID antenna size is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer size accommodationVSAvoidantenna area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The annular casing utilizes the radial dimension efficiently, with an inner diameter adapted to the container orifice while maintaining sufficient radial thickness for the RFID antenna. This dimensional optimization allows the antenna to achieve adequate area for functionality while the casing remains compact enough to fit various container sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the attachment surface is permanently fixed to the annular casing, then the structure is simplified, but the identification device cannot be selectively removed without damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddevice removability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment surface transitions from a static, permanent connection to a dynamic, reversible connection. The removable fixing members can be engaged and disengaged as needed, allowing the RFID device to be securely attached during operation and easily removed for replacement, repair, or reconfiguration without damaging the container or the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If RFID devices are attached close to each other on conveyor chains, then productivity is maintained, but interference between adjacent devices affects reading accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor chain throughputVSAvoiddata reading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment surface extends toward the central opening of the annular casing, positioning the RFID device away from the container body and other adjacent devices. This extraction of the RFID element from the crowded assembly area reduces electromagnetic interference between closely spaced devices on the conveyor chain while maintaining productive throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2631892B1Identification device, container provided with such a device and method of mounting the assembly
Publication Date: 2016.07.20 ATHELIA SOLUTIONS IBERICA
  • EP2631892B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2631892B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9
  • EP2631892B1 patent drawingFigure 10~11

AI summary

The device has a remote electronic identification unit i.e. radiofrequency identification antenna, arranged on a support that is mechanically fixed on a pressurized fluid container (5), where the antenna is in the form of ring or capsule. The support has a circular annular case (2) provided with a removable attachment surface i.e. circular edge, that is extended towards a central orifice of the case, in mounted position. The case is situated around a valve (6) with the attachment surface situated between a body of the container and a valve body fixed on the container. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a pressurized fluid container comprising an identification device (2) a method for mounting an identification device.