Composite Hose RFID Sensing Without Wires or Batteries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite hoses in the automotive industry lack effective means to monitor physical properties of fluids flowing through them, especially in inaccessible locations, due to difficulties in routing power or signal wires and the need for power sources for sensors.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a passive RFID-enabled sensor system within the composite hose that uses radio frequency signals to power and communicate measurement data of fluid properties, eliminating the need for on-board power sources and allowing for remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is installed in an inaccessible location within the composite hose, then real-time monitoring of fluid properties is achieved, but routing power or signal wires becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with an electromagnetic field-based RFID communication system. The sensor node communicates fluid property measurements wirelessly through RFID tags and readers, eliminating the need for physical wire routing to inaccessible locations within the composite hose.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a sensor with on-board power source is installed, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor node harvests energy from the RFID reader's electromagnetic field to power its operations. This energy harvesting mechanism allows the sensor to function continuously without requiring separate batteries or power sources, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system serves dual purposes: it provides both the communication interface for data transmission and the power source for the sensor node through electromagnetic energy harvesting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power wiring and simplifies installation.
3Reliability
If traditional wired sensors are used in composite hoses, then power and signal transmission are reliable, but installation in inaccessible locations becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical wire connections with electromagnetic field-based RFID communication. This allows reliable data transmission from sensors located in inaccessible positions within the composite hose structure, as electromagnetic fields can penetrate the hose materials without requiring physical access for wire routing.
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 real-time monitoring of fluid properties like temperature, pressure, and leaks within composite hoses without the need for power sources or wire routing, enhancing operational efficiency and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
An RFID tag receives the radio frequency signals and converts the radio frequency to electrical energy to power the RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sensing a physical property of a fluid flowing inside a composite hose includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader arranged to transmit radio frequency signals. An RFID tag receives the radio frequency signals and exchanges the received radio frequency to electrical energy powering the RFID tag. An included sensor electrically connected to the RFID tag receives the electrical energy from the RFID tag and powers the sensor to obtain measurement data of at least one physical property of the fluid and transmit the measurement data to the RFID tag. The RFID tag transmits the measurement data to the RFID reader using the radio frequency.