Electronic Tag With Physical Circuit Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic tags are pre-configured and difficult for users to adjust, leading to unnecessary costs and limitations in monitoring conditions outside preferred parameters, especially for single-use and low-cost applications, as they require specialist knowledge and hardware for reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
An electronic tag with modifiable input circuitry that allows users to selectively configure operational parameters by physically altering the circuitry, enabling real-time alerts and adaptable monitoring of conditions such as temperature, moisture, and location through a low-power wide-area network without needing specialized equipment or knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic tags are pre-configured with specialist software programming, then the tags can reliably monitor specific conditions, but the complexity of configuration increases and users cannot easily adjust operational parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic/software-based configuration with a mechanical/physical configuration method. Users can physically cut or disconnect specific circuit traces on the PCB to select different operational parameters, eliminating the need for specialist software programming knowledge while maintaining reliable condition monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag enables users to independently configure operational parameters by physically modifying the circuit board, without requiring external programming equipment or specialist knowledge. This self-service approach allows users to adjust thresholds and parameters directly on the device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pre-configured tags are purchased for different operational parameters, then users can select appropriate tags for specific needs, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single tag universally adaptable to multiple operational parameters through physical circuit configuration. One tag can be configured to monitor different conditions (temperature, humidity, shock, etc.) by simply cutting different circuit traces, eliminating the need to purchase multiple specialized tags.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag's operational parameters are made dynamically adjustable through physical modification. Users can change the tag's function and parameters by cutting circuit traces, allowing a single tag to adapt to different monitoring needs rather than being fixed to one configuration.
3Ease of operation
If tags are configured with near field communication hardware, then electronic configuration is enabled, but the product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic configuration hardware (near field communication modules) with a simple mechanical configuration method using cuttable circuit traces on the PCB. This eliminates the need for expensive communication hardware while maintaining ease of configuration through physical modification.
4Quantity of substance
If single-use tags provide only historical data, then the tags are simple and low-cost, but the ability to intervene and protect assets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by enabling the tag to actively monitor conditions against user-configured thresholds and immediately alert when limits are exceeded. This transforms the tag from passive historical recording to active real-time protection, allowing immediate intervention to protect assets.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to an electronic tag (10) comprising sensing means (12) for sensing at least one condition, a control module (14), electrically connected to and in data communication with the sensing means (12), for receiving data relating to the at least one sensed condition, a transmitter module (16), electrically connected to and in data communication with the control module (14), for transmitting, for reception by a remote monitoring station (18), a notification signal including the data relating to the at least one sensed condition, and input circuitry (20), electrically connected to and in data communication with the control module (14), for regulating the operation of the control module (14), by providing a limit for the at least one sensed condition depending on the physical configuration thereof.