Dielectric Inclusion RFID Tool Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tracking the locations of portable tools in large commercial aircraft factories is challenging due to the limited range of RFID tags, which makes it difficult to manage thousands of high-precision tools spread over vast areas.

Innovation Solution

Embedding an RFID device within a dielectric inclusion in portable production tools enhances the electromagnetic field strength through constructive interference, allowing for extended communication ranges and improved tracking capabilities using a fewer number of RFID readers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID tags are embedded in portable tools, then tool tracking is enabled, but the communication range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool tracking capabilityVSAvoidcommunication range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric inclusion is introduced as an intermediary component between the RFID tag and the external environment. This dielectric inclusion acts as a mediator that enhances the electromagnetic field interaction, allowing the RFID tag to communicate over extended ranges without direct contact with metal or conductive materials that would shield the signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric inclusion changes the electromagnetic parameters of the system by providing a specific dielectric constant. This parameter change enhances the electromagnetic field strength and extends the communication range of the RFID tag, transforming the limited-range embedding problem into an extended-range solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If more RFID readers are deployed to extend coverage, then tracking capability improves, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking coverageVSAvoidnumber of RFID readers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag system performs self-enhancement through the integrated dielectric inclusion, improving its own communication range without requiring additional external components or readers. Each tag serves its own tracking needs by incorporating the dielectric enhancement structure directly into the tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric inclusion serves multiple functions: it enhances electromagnetic field strength, extends communication range, and can be integrated into various tool types. This universal solution applies across all portable tools in the factory, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient tracking and management of portable tools across large areas, preventing tools from being misplaced or misused, ensuring proper calibration, and optimizing inventory control by extending the communication range of RFID devices.

Implementation Method 1

The dielectric inclusion is configured to cause electromagnetic waves incident on the tool to create incident and reflected waves, which undergo constructive interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConstructive interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS9898698B2Production tool having RFID device mounted within a dielectric inclusion

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A production tool has a dielectric inclusion, and an RFID device mounted within the dielectric inclusion.