Closable Container RFID Antenna State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container tracking systems can determine location but not the state (open or closed) of closable containers, which is crucial for handling perishable goods and theft protection, and applying RFID tags directly on items is visible and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a near field antenna and a far field antenna on opposing parts of a container that couple electromagnetically when closed, allowing for distinct communication ranges to indicate the container's state, with the far field antenna acting as a range booster in the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single antenna is used for RFID communication, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect container state (open/closed) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into two distinct antennas: a near-field antenna and a far-field antenna. Each antenna serves a specific function - the near-field antenna enables detection when the container is closed (through electromagnetic coupling), while the far-field antenna enables detection when the container is open. This segmentation allows the system to detect container state without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different antenna modes based on container state. When the container is closed, the near-field antenna is activated through electromagnetic coupling with the far-field antenna. When the container is open, the system transitions to using only the far-field antenna. This dynamic behavior enables state detection while maintaining relatively simple hardware.
2Reliability
If RFID tag is applied directly on the item, then the container state can be monitored, but the security device becomes visible and easily removable
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID communication components (antennas and chip) are extracted from the item itself and relocated to the container structure. The near-field antenna is integrated into the container body while the far-field antenna is positioned on the lid or opposite side. This extraction hides the security devices within the container, making them invisible and difficult to remove, while still enabling container state monitoring through electromagnetic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID chip and near-field antenna are nested within the container body, with the far-field antenna nested on the opposing container part. When the container is closed, these nested components establish electromagnetic coupling, enabling detection while remaining concealed within the container structure.
3Measurement precision
If antennas are positioned to enable electromagnetic coupling, then container closed state can be detected, but the communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two antennas as intermediaries to extend communication range. The near-field antenna acts as an intermediary that couples electromagnetically with the far-field antenna, enabling detection when the container is closed. The far-field antenna serves as another intermediary that can communicate with external readers over longer distances when the container is open or when positioned for far-field communication. This intermediary approach enables both precise state detection and extended communication range.
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 reliable detection of the container's shut position and movement, improving communication range and concealing the antennas for aesthetic and security reasons, while allowing for precise monitoring of container states and locations.
Implementation Method 1
a noncontact electromagnetic coupling takes place between the near field antenna and the far field antenna in the closed position of the container
Implementation Method 2
The noncontact electromagnetic coupling can be achieved, for example, by way of capacitive coupling, inductive coupling or mixed capacitive and inductive coupling
Implementation Method 3
The noncontact electromagnetic coupling can be achieved, for example, by way of capacitive coupling, inductive coupling or mixed capacitive and inductive coupling
Implementation Method 4
allowing signals and energy in the radio-frequency range to be received via the antenna, the received energy being used to generate a corresponding response signal by means of the RFID chip
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to closable containers and a method for retrieving a shut state and/or a location of a closable container, wherein the container has at least one RFID chip having a connected near field antenna and a far field antenna. The RFID chip is arranged at the first or at the second container part and the far field antenna is arranged at the other one of the first and second container part, respectively. In the closed position of the container, a noncontact electromagnetic coupling takes place between the near field antenna and the far field antenna. Due to the interaction of a sending unit and a receiving unit, a response signal can by generated by RFID chip and transmitted. The range of said response signal depending on the shut position of the container.