Capacitive Detection System for Moveable Entity Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for detecting and identifying a moveable entity in a predetermined position with respect to a base are complex and costly due to the necessity of inductive components in RF ID tags.

Innovation Solution

A capacitive coupling system using a base with electrodes and a moveable entity with electrodes and a resistor, where capacitive coupling allows detection and identification without the need for inductive components, utilizing a time-varying electrical signal to distinguish between entities based on resistance values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RF ID tags with inductors are used for detection and identification, then detection and identification capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection and identification capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the inductor component from the RF ID tag system, replacing the traditional inductive coupling mechanism with a capacitive coupling system. This extraction eliminates the complexity associated with inductors while maintaining the core detection and identification functionality through capacitive sensors and circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the electromagnetic inductive system with a capacitive system, replacing the mechanical/electromagnetic coupling mechanism with an electrical capacitive coupling approach. This substitution simplifies the system by using capacitive sensors, capacitive dividers, and related circuits instead of inductive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If RF ID tags with inductors are used for detection and identification, then detection and identification capability is achieved, but tag cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection and identification capabilityVSAvoidtag cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive capacitive components such as capacitive sensors, capacitive dividers, and simple RC circuits that can be manufactured at low cost. These components replace expensive inductive elements, enabling cost-effective tags that maintain detection and identification functionality through capacitive coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Use of energy by moving object

If inductive coupling is used for energy transfer, then energy transfer capability is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic inductive energy transfer system with a capacitive energy transfer system. This substitution uses capacitive coupling for wireless power transfer, eliminating the need for inductive components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining energy transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system provides a simple and cost-effective means to detect and identify moveable entities, reducing complexity and costs by eliminating the need for inductors and enabling identification through capacitive coupling based on resistance values.

Implementation Method 1

the first base electrode and the first moveable entity electrode align to form a first capacitor and the second base electrode and second moveable entity electrode align to form a second capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

signal supply means arranged to supply a time-varying electrical signal to the first base electrode; and signal detection means arranged to detect an electrical signal from the second base electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling signal transfer: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11255701B2Capacitive detection, energy transfer, and/or data transfer system

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 PRAGMATIC SEMICON LTD

AI summary

A system is disclosed, comprising a base and at least a first moveable entity, the first moveable entity being moveable with respect to the base and positionable in at least a first position with respect to the base. The base comprises a first base electrode and a second base electrode, and the moveable entity comprises a first moveable entity electrode and a second moveable entity electrode. The electrodes are arranged such that when the moveable entity is in the first position the first base electrode and the first moveable entity electrode align to form a first capacitor and the second base electrode and second moveable entity electrode align to form a second capacitor. The first moveable entity further comprises a first resistor connecting the first moveable entity electrode to the second moveable entity electrode, and the base further comprises: signal supply means arranged to supply a time-varying electrical signal to the first base electrode; and signal detection means arranged to detect an electrical signal from the second base electrode.