Climbing Hold RFID Protection Against Polymerization Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Climbing holds with integrated radio-identification elements face challenges due to protective layer degradation during the exothermic polymerization process, leading to reduced lifespan and increased risk of delamination, and existing solutions are not suitable for small holds or do not withstand high temperatures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A climbing hold with a protective layer of polyphenylene sulfide with a minimum thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, integrated into the hold's polymer matrix, providing thermal stability and resistance to the polymerization reaction, and using carbon black for capacitive detection to enhance electromagnetic coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional protective layer is used on the radio-identification element, then the element can be protected during handling, but the protective layer degrades during the exothermic polymerization process of the climbing hold
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer material is changed from conventional polymers to polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), which has a higher glass transition temperature and maintains structural integrity at the elevated temperatures (up to 170°C) generated during the exothermic polymerization of the climbing hold resin
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses a composite approach by integrating the radio-identification element with PPS protective layer into the polymeric matrix of the climbing hold, creating a multi-material system where each material performs its specific function while resisting the thermal stress of polymerization
2Ease of operation
If the radio-identification element is glued to the gripping face of the climbing hold, then identification is possible, but the element risks detachment during competition or storage
Solution Approach 1:
The radio-identification element is integrated directly into the polymeric body of the climbing hold during the molding process, merging the identification component with the structural component. This eliminates the separate gluing step and ensures permanent attachment that cannot detach during use or storage
Solution Approach 2:
The radio-identification element is embedded into the climbing hold during the initial molding process before the polymer fully cures, ensuring proper positioning and secure integration. This preliminary placement prevents later detachment issues that would occur with post-attachment methods
3Temperature
If a thick protective layer is used to protect against polymerization reaction, then thermal resistance improves, but the risk of cracking and breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness of the PPS protective layer is optimized to a specific range (0.5 mm to 2 mm) that provides sufficient thermal protection during polymerization while maintaining adequate mechanical strength and crack resistance. This parameter optimization balances thermal and mechanical requirements
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 solution extends the lifespan of the radio-identification element, reduces the risk of delamination and cracking, and allows for reliable capacitive detection, ensuring the hold's integrity and functionality during polymerization and use.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to power the electronic chip by electromagnetic coupling so as to transmit the identification number to an external reading device
Implementation Method 2
the protective layer makes it possible to resist the exothermic polymerization reaction of the resin constituting the climbing hold
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention concerns a climbing hold (10), having a polymer body (11), associated with a radio-identification element (12a) comprising: an electronic chip incorporating an identification number of the climbing hold (10), an antenna designed to power the electronic chip by electromagnetic coupling so as to transmit the identification number to an external reading device, and a protective layer covering the electronic chip and the antenna, the radio-identification element (12a) being incorporated in the polymer body (11) of the climbing hold (10), the protective layer being formed of polyphenylene sulfide with a minimum thickness of between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.