Drive-Over RFID Reader Antenna for Tire Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the commercial trucking industry, there is a need for efficient and cost-effective identification and monitoring of tires on trailers to minimize operational costs associated with theft, damage, and replacement, as tires are the highest cost item.
Innovation Solution
A drive-over reader system for wheel-based RFID transponders, featuring embedded or surface-mounted antenna devices that generate an upwardly directed electric field to activate and read RFID tags as vehicles move over them, ensuring efficient data collection and minimizing operational disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional RFID readers are used for tire identification, then manual scanning is required which is time-consuming, but implementing a drive-over system requires embedding antennas in the ground which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single integrated reader unit that is embedded in the ground. The reader system integrates transmitter antennas, receiver antennas, and processing electronics into one unified device, simplifying installation while enabling automated drive-over RFID reading for rapid tire identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning operations with an automated electromagnetic field-based system. The drive-over reader uses radio frequency electromagnetic fields to automatically detect and read RFID tags on tires as vehicles pass over, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving data collection speed.
2Loss of time
If manual tire identification methods are used, then operational costs increase due to time consumption, but automated RFID systems require additional infrastructure installation
Solution Approach 1:
The drive-over reader system operates autonomously without requiring manual operation. As vehicles drive over the embedded reader, the system automatically activates the electromagnetic field, detects RFID tags on tires, reads identification data, and processes information without human intervention, enabling self-service tire identification that saves time while maintaining installation simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If upwardly directed electric fields are used to activate transponders, then reading accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive-over reader system uses periodic or pulsed electromagnetic field activation rather than continuous operation. The upwardly directed electric field is generated only when a vehicle approaches or is over the reader, automatically activating transponders on contact tires. This periodic activation maintains high reading accuracy while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous field generation.
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 enables timely and accurate identification of tires and vehicles, reducing operational costs by facilitating rapid data collection and minimizing tire-related expenses through efficient monitoring and control.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transmitter device(s) and receiver device(s) coupled to the antenna device(s) for generating an upwardly directed electric field(s) to actuate the transponder device
Implementation Method 2
the cover layer and the base layer may be composed of respective materials having a respective relative static permittivity less than the relative static permittivity of the dielectric material layer. The electric field from the antenna member is thereby configured to extend upward toward the wheel-based transponder.
Implementation Method 3
The dipole antenna(s) may be partially or entirely embedded within the support pad and may include a reflective member positioned below to direct electric field energy upward from the dipole antenna(s).
Data Source
AI summary
A drive over, reader system for a wheel-based, electric field-actuated transponder device includes a vehicle support pad surface; an antenna device on the support pad located to operatively align with a wheel-based transponder device of the vehicle with the vehicle positioned on the pad in a read location; a transmitter device and a receiver device coupled to the antenna device for generating an upwardly directed electric field to actuate the transponder device and receive a responsive signal back from the transponder device. The upwardly directed electric field operatively engages the transponder device as the vehicle drives over the antenna device. Multiple antennae may be aligned in a linear array to subject the transponder device to multiple electric fields as the vehicle traverses the support pad. The antenna device of the reader system may be configured as a layered panel positioned on the support pad or as a dipole antenna embedded within the support pad.