Flexible Antenna Structure for RFID Coupling in Laboratory Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory devices face challenges in efficiently identifying and coupling with RFID chips on test tube racks due to the random orientation of RFID assemblies and the need for precise antenna positioning, which complicates data reading and writing processes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible antenna structure element with pairs of antennas made of thin, flexible material that can be bent into angular positions, allowing for wireless coupling with RFID chips on test tube racks, integrated into a laboratory device and test tube rack design, enabling efficient data exchange regardless of RFID assembly orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixed antenna structures are used for RFID coupling, then manufacturing and installation are simple, but reliable coupling with randomly oriented RFID chips cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the antenna structure flexible rather than rigid. The flexible antenna element can be bent into different angular positions to match the random orientation of RFID chips on test tubes. This dynamic adaptability allows the antenna to reliably couple with RFID tags regardless of their orientation, resolving the contradiction between coupling reliability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the antenna from rigid to flexible, enabling it to assume multiple angular positions. This parameter change allows the antenna to adapt to different RFID chip orientations without requiring multiple fixed antenna positions, thereby improving coupling reliability while avoiding the complexity of a multi-antenna system.
2Reliability
If multiple fixed antenna positions are provided to accommodate random RFID orientations, then coupling reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple fixed antenna positions, the patent uses a single flexible antenna that can be dynamically positioned. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble multiple rigid antenna components at different locations, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to couple with randomly oriented RFID chips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible antenna element that can be bent into various angular configurations. This flexible structure replaces the need for multiple rigid antenna assemblies, making the device easier to manufacture and assemble while providing the same functional capability of accommodating random RFID orientations.
3Measurement precision
If precise antenna alignment is required for RFID reading and writing, then data exchange accuracy improves, but operational complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible antenna eliminates the need for precise manual alignment operations. The antenna can be physically bent to match the RFID chip orientation, and in some embodiments, can even be actively adjusted during operation. This dynamic capability ensures accurate data reading and writing without requiring complex alignment procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rigid antenna structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different RFID orientations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible antenna element that can be bent into different angular positions while maintaining structural integrity. The flexibility allows the antenna to adapt to various RFID orientations, while the controlled flexibility ensures the antenna maintains sufficient structural stability to function reliably. This resolves the contradiction between adaptability and structural stability.
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
Facilitates reliable and efficient data reading and writing from RFID assemblies on test tubes, eliminating the need for precise antenna alignment and enhancing the usability of RFID technology in laboratory settings by allowing multiple angle adjustments and easy mounting.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna structure element for wireless coupling with an RFID chip
Implementation Method 2
the carrier is made of thin and flexible material such that by appropriate bending of the antenna structure element, the at least two antennas are brought in pairs into an angular position with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to devices and methods for the identification of test tubes in a test tube rack using RFID technology.