Embedded RF Antenna Power Harvesting for Reader-Free Object Tracking

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional RFID systems for inventory tracking are expensive and require specialized readers, limiting their effectiveness in various tracking scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency (RF) powered system with an embedded antenna that harvests power from RF signals to energize a microcontroller, allowing it to read and broadcast data using a separate frequency, enabling communication with a network core and utilizing a distributed ledger for data storage and authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional RFID systems are used for inventory tracking, then tracking capability is provided, but cost increases and specialized readers are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is equipped with a power harvesting circuit that captures energy from ambient RF signals in the environment, converting them to electrical energy to power the tag's microcontroller and communication functions. This eliminates the need for external power sources or battery replacements, enabling the tag to operate autonomously and continuously for tracking objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses standard RF signals that already exist in the environment (from various transmitters) to simultaneously serve multiple purposes: the ambient RF signals provide both the power source for the tag and can be used for data communication, eliminating the need for separate dedicated RFID readers and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional RFID systems are used for inventory tracking, then tracking capability is provided, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is equipped with a power harvesting circuit that captures energy from ambient RF signals in the environment, converting them to electrical energy to power the tag's microcontroller and communication functions. This eliminates the need for external power sources or battery replacements, enabling the tag to operate autonomously and continuously for tracking objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs simple, low-cost RFID tags with integrated power harvesting circuits that can be manufactured at scale. These tags use passive components and standard integrated circuits that are inexpensive to produce, making the overall tracking system cost-effective compared to traditional active RFID systems requiring batteries or external power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If power is harvested from RF signals to energize the microcontroller, then continuous operation is enabled, but energy harvesting from ambient RF signals is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoidenergy harvesting requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is equipped with a power harvesting circuit that captures energy from ambient RF signals in the environment, converting them to electrical energy to power the tag's microcontroller and communication functions. This eliminates the need for external power sources or battery replacements, enabling the tag to operate autonomously and continuously for tracking objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power harvesting circuit continuously captures energy from ambient RF signals whenever they are present in the environment, storing the harvested energy in a capacitor or supercapacitor to ensure continuous operation of the microcontroller and communication functions without interruption, even when RF signal strength varies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables efficient, cost-effective tracking of objects using RF signals without specialized readers, ensuring data integrity and authentication through a distributed ledger, facilitating inventory management and logistics operations.

Implementation Method 1

the rectifier circuit harvests direct current (DC) from the at least one metalized layer's absorption of a first RF signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF signal absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The first signal is converted to a current and used to energize a microcontroller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy to electrical energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

broadcasts at least a portion of the data stored on the computer readable memory at a second frequency via the antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12431734B2Systems and methods of power harvesting for an embedded antenna

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Object tracking using sensors that harvest energy from radio frequency (RF) signals described. The sensor may harvest energy from signals absorbed by a metalized layer of a sensor. The energy may energize a microcontroller and facilitate the broadcast of another RF signal. Additionally, the capture and communication of broadcasted RF signals is described.