Corrodible Element Time Reference for Powerless Smartcards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing time reference systems face challenges in providing reliable and power-independent solutions for determining elapsed time, particularly in environments where electrical power is not available or is temporary.

Innovation Solution

A time reference device utilizing a corrodible element that corrodes over time, generating a sensor signal based on physical properties such as electrical, magnetic, or optical changes, which can be used to indicate elapsed time without requiring electrical power, and is designed for integration into thin substrates like smartcards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional time cell with floating gate field effect transistor is used, then the device can determine elapsed time, but it requires continuous electrical power and can be reset

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower independenceVSAvoidelectrical power requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical-based floating gate field effect transistor with a chemical corrosion process. The corrodible element undergoes irreversible corrosion over time, and this chemical degradation is detected by a sensor. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous electrical power while maintaining time measurement capability, as the corrosion process occurs passively without external energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The time reference device performs its own time measurement function through the passive corrosion process of the corrodible element. The element serves both as the time-measuring medium and as the signal-generating component, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex electrical circuits. The device is self-sustaining as long as the corrosive environment remains active.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a conventional time cell is used, then time can be measured, but the device can be reset and is not irreversible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime reference stabilityVSAvoidirreversibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of corrosion into a beneficial time-measuring mechanism. The irreversible corrosion of the corrodible element, which would normally be considered degradation, is harnessed as the fundamental time-tracking process. The sensor detects the extent of corrosion, providing a stable and irreversible time reference that cannot be reset, thereby enhancing security applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the time reference device is made thin for smartcard integration, then it can be integrated into smartcards, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmartcard integrationVSAvoidsubstrate thickness control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin film structures for the corrodible element and the barrier layer, enabling integration into thin substrates like smartcards. The corrodible element is formed as a thin layer that can be deposited on the substrate, and the barrier providing controlled corrosive substance permeability is also implemented as a thin film. This approach maintains compatibility with smartcard manufacturing processes while achieving the required thin-profile design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 provides a reliable, power-independent method for determining elapsed time, with irreversible corrosion ensuring accuracy and suitability for use in smartcards and other thin-form applications, while minimizing external effect influences like pressure and temperature.

Implementation Method 1

A corrodible element, wherein a corrosion of the corrodible element advances with advancing time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorrosion:

Implementation Method 2

the physical property of the corrodible element changes with a corrosion of the corrodible element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical property change:

Implementation Method 3

a sensor configured for providing a sensor signal, the sensor signal depending on a physical property of the corrodible element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 4

a barrier, the barrier providing a defined permeability for a corrosive substance through the barrier to the corrodible element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS9880523B2Powerless time reference

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 NXP BV

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a time reference device is provided. In the embodiment, the time reference device, includes a corrodible element, wherein a corrosion of the corrodible element advances with advancing time, and a sensor configured for providing a sensor signal, the sensor signal depending on a physical property of the corrodible element; wherein the physical property of the corrodible element changes with a corrosion of the corrodible element and the physical property of the corrodible element is at least one of an electrical property, a magnetic property, and an optical property. A barrier may be provided for defining a permeability for a corrosive substance to the corrodible element.