Filter Element Tracking With NFC Detection for Removal Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems lack efficient methods to detect the insertion and removal of filter elements, which can lead to particulate material entering critical machinery components, causing damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of short-range wireless tracking features, such as NFC tags and readers, to monitor the presence of filter elements within the housing, detecting removal events by loss of communication when the tag moves out of range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter systems use traditional manual monitoring methods, then the system structure remains simple, but the reliability of detecting filter element removal is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring with wireless communication technology. NFC tags and readers enable automatic detection of filter element presence through wireless signals, eliminating the need for mechanical sensors or manual checking while improving detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element itself carries the NFC tag, making it self-identifying. The system automatically detects removal events through the tag-reader communication status without requiring external monitoring devices or human intervention, enabling the filtered object to participate in its own monitoring.
2Reliability
If filter systems implement continuous monitoring, then the reliability of detecting removal events improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic polling of the NFC tag by the reader rather than continuous monitoring. The reader checks for the presence of the filter element at intervals, maintaining detection reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC tag is a low-cost, passive component with minimal energy requirements. It can be disposed of with the filter element, eliminating the need for expensive, energy-hungry permanent monitoring systems while maintaining reliable detection throughout the filter's service life.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If filter systems add wireless tracking features, then the ability to detect filter element changes improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC reader serves multiple functions: it detects filter element presence, identifies the specific filter type, and can potentially store maintenance information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and systems, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while maximizing detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC tag acts as a simple intermediary carrier that holds identification data. It mediates between the filter element and the monitoring system without requiring complex processing, enabling enhanced detection capability while adding minimal complexity through a standardized, off-the-shelf component.
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 reliable detection of filter element changes, preventing particulate material from entering machinery and ensuring timely maintenance, thereby protecting equipment and maintaining system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The method can include inductively transmitting power from a short-range wireless communication reader to a short-range wireless communication tag
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects herein include filter systems including short-range wireless tracking features to detect insertion and/or removal of filter elements from filter systems. In an embodiment, a filtration system is included having a housing including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing can define an internal volume. A first filter element can be removably disposed within the housing. A short-range wireless communication tag can be associated with the first filter element. A short-range wireless communication reader can be associated with the housing, the reader configured to wirelessly send data to and receive data from the tag when the reader and the tag are at a distance that is less than or equal to a maximum communication distance. Removal of the first filter element from the housing can cause the distance between the tag and the reader to exceed the maximum communication distance. Other embodiments are also included herein.