Disposable UHF RFID Timing Tags for Athletic Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timing systems for endurance races face challenges in accurately tracking and recording the performance of numerous runners, including the need for manual chip assignment, costly and bulky RFID chips, susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, and logistical issues with chip collection and shipping.
Innovation Solution
A portable UHF RFID timing system utilizing disposable UHF Gen 2 RFID tags attached to runners, connected to a portable controller via a cellular network, and integrated with remote server software for real-time data processing and elimination of chip-related logistical issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If returnable RFID chips are used in timing systems, then timing accuracy can be achieved, but logistical complexity and costs increase due to chip assignment, collection, and shipping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive returnable RFID chips with disposable UHF RFID tags. These disposable tags are attached to runners' shoes for the duration of the race and then discarded, eliminating the need for complex chip collection and return logistics. The disposable nature simplifies the entire chip management process while maintaining timing accuracy through automated RFID recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the chip collection and return logistics from the timing system by using disposable tags. Instead of managing a returnable chip system that requires volunteers to collect and return chips, the system simply attaches disposable tags and lets them be discarded after use. This extraction of the problematic element (returnable chips) resolves the logistical complexity.
2Loss of information
If returnable RFID chips are used, then timing data can be captured, but time is consumed during chip assignment and collection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable RFID tags are pre-attached to runners' shoes before the race begins, eliminating the need for time-consuming chip assignment processes during the event. The tags remain on the runners throughout the race and are simply removed afterward, significantly reducing the time invested in chip management activities.
3Quantity of substance
If bulky RFID chips are used, then identification capability is provided, but shipping costs and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses small, inexpensive disposable UHF RFID tags instead of bulky returnable chips. These compact disposable tags are much smaller and cheaper to ship, eliminating the need for expensive chip shipping arrangements and reducing storage requirements during the event. The low cost and small size make them ideal for single-use application.
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 system achieves high accuracy (over 99.8%), reduces costs, minimizes interference, and simplifies logistics by eliminating the need for chip assignment and collection, while allowing real-time data dissemination to runners and their relatives.
Implementation Method 1
An RFID tag on the runner's shoe communicates with the RFID antenna to transmit data on the runner to the portable controller
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic timing system is provided for timing of athletic events including a radio-frequency identification antenna, a portable timing controller, a remote server, and a radio-frequency identification timing tag. The portable timing controller includes one or more radio-frequency identification readers, and a touch-panel computer electrically coupled to the one or more readers to manage data coming into the one or more readers. The controller further includes a first input/output device for exchanging data with the radio-frequency identification antenna, and a second input/output device for exchanging data with a remote server. The controller also may be powered by portable, user replaceable lithium-ion batteries. The radio-frequency identification timing tag is configured for attachment to an athlete. The timing tag and antenna are adapted for wirelessly communicating data between one another.