Cap Antenna Integration for Pressurized Fluid Bottle Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for pressurized fluid bottles are not suitable for reliable and effective communication between the bottle and external devices, particularly modular devices connected to the valve for fluid supply or withdrawal, due to limitations in data exchange and communication reliability.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an electronic communication and data storage device within the cap of the bottle, featuring an annular antenna and an electronic chip, allowing for Near Field Communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies, and a separate filling/withdrawal member with an electronic communication device for wireless data exchange, ensuring reliable communication and data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electronic communication device is integrated into the cap structure, then communication reliability between the bottle and external devices is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic communication device is integrated into the cap structure by merging the antenna with the cap's first wall. The antenna is formed as part of the wall structure itself, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap structure serves multiple functions: it protects the valve, provides structural support, and houses the electronic communication device. The first wall of the cap simultaneously provides structural integrity and forms the antenna for wireless communication, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces the need for additional components.

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

2Productivity

If the electronic communication device is integrated into the cap, then data exchange efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is merged with the first wall of the cap, allowing both components to be manufactured as a single integrated piece. This reduces the number of assembly steps and simplifies the manufacturing process while enabling efficient wireless data exchange between the bottle and external devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical properties of the first wall are modified to enable antenna functionality. By changing the material parameters or structural characteristics of the wall (such as conductivity or geometric configuration), the wall itself becomes an effective antenna without requiring separate components, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the antenna is arranged concentrically at the opening of the first wall, then communication effectiveness is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first wall serves dual purposes: providing structural protection for the valve and forming the antenna for wireless communication. The concentric arrangement of the antenna at the opening is achieved by shaping the wall itself, eliminating the need for separate antenna structures and reducing overall structural complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is arranged in a concentric, curved configuration at the opening of the first wall. This curved geometry optimizes the electromagnetic field distribution for effective communication while naturally integrating with the circular or cylindrical shape of the cap structure, avoiding the need for complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Facilitates reliable wireless communication and data exchange between the bottle and external devices, enhancing the functionality of pressurized fluid bottles by ensuring efficient fluid management and traceability through improved communication capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an annular antenna arranged concentrically at the opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

configured to communicate using at least one of the following communication technologies: Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Communication (RFID)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear Field Communication: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

Radio Frequency Communication (RFID)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio Frequency Identification: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3362733B1Drawing or filling device
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
  • EP3362733B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3362733B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3362733B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a cylinder of pressurised fluid including an opening in which a valve (7) and a cap (1) for protecting the valve (7) are arranged, the cap (1) including a rigid structure (2, 3) defining a protective space around the valve (7), said structure (2, 3) including a lower end (4) attached to the upper end of the cylinder (6) and a first wall (2) forming a central tubular portion, said tubular portion extending between the lower end (4) and an open upper end (12) that defines an opening (5) for accessing the space inside the tubular portion and containing the valve (7), the cylinder (6) including an electronic member (10) for communication and data storage, which can be queried remotely and wirelessly, arranged in the cap (1), characterised in that the electronic member (10) is built into the circular edge of the upper end (12) of the first wall.