Fluid-Activated RFID Tag for Autonomous Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID systems for fluid detection, such as in diapers or for monitoring leaks, face challenges in being autonomously powered, capable of transmitting data wirelessly to a remote site, and distinguishing multiple fluid detections simultaneously, while also being cost-effective and disposable.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-activated RFID tag that operates as a passive tag without power and switches to an active tag upon fluid presence, using a fluid-activated battery to supply power for data transmission, enabling long-distance communication and real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive RFID tag is used for fluid detection, then the system is autonomous and disposable, but the tag cannot transmit data to a distant site and cannot distinguish multiple simultaneous detections
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag dynamically switches between passive and active states based on fluid detection. When no fluid is present, the tag operates passively for autonomous identification. Upon detecting target fluid, the tag transitions to active mode, enabling long-distance data transmission to distant readers and allowing discrimination of multiple simultaneous detections through enhanced signal capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the RFID tag from passive to active state upon fluid detection. This parameter change enables the tag to transmit data to distant sites and improves the system's ability to distinguish multiple simultaneous detections while maintaining autonomous operation through the use of target fluid as the power source for activation.
2Ease of operation
If an active RFID tag with battery is used, then long-distance transmission is possible, but the system becomes expensive and not disposable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable RFID tag that remains passive and inexpensive until activated by target fluid. The fluid itself serves as the electrolyte for generating power, eliminating the need for expensive batteries. After use, the entire tag can be discarded, maintaining cost-effectiveness and disposability while enabling long-distance transmission when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the target fluid itself to power the RFID tag when activated. The fluid serves dual purposes: as the detection target and as the electrolyte for generating electrical power. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external batteries, reducing cost and maintaining disposability while enabling active transmission capabilities.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a fluid-activated battery is integrated, then autonomous power is provided upon fluid detection, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fluid detection function with the power generation function into a single integrated system. The RFID tag, fluid sensor, and battery components are combined into one unit where the target fluid simultaneously triggers detection and activates power generation, enabling autonomous operation without external power sources while managing device complexity through functional integration.
4Productivity
If multiple tags detect fluid simultaneously, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but the system cannot distinguish individual detections without active transmission
Solution Approach 1:
When multiple RFID tags detect fluid simultaneously, each tag transitions to active state and transmits its unique identification data to distant readers. This dynamic activation enables the system to maintain comprehensive monitoring coverage while discriminating individual detections through unique tag identifiers and long-distance communication capabilities.
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 real-time, wireless, and cost-effective monitoring of fluid presence across multiple locations, with immediate alerts and location identification, overcoming the limitations of prior systems by providing autonomous power and multi-point operation.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-activated battery capable of providing electric power in presence of a fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention describes a RFID tag and a system and method involving a plurality of RFID tags. Each RFID tag is attached to an object (or to a structure or a person) on which the presence of a predefined fluid is monitored. In a first state, (absence of the monitored fluid), the tag is acting as a passive RFID tag, and the information it holds, (at least its identifier - ID), can be read with a proximity reader (a hand held or stationary/fixed reader). This operation is performed when the RFID tag is attached to the object (or person) to be monitored. At this stage a table associating tag ID, object name (or person name) and location (or any other information), may be built, and may be recorded so that information it contains is accessible by a control center. In a second state, whenever the monitored fluid appears on the tagged object, a fluid activated battery generates the electrical power which is used to power the RFID tag. The RFID tag then acts as an active RFID tag and starts to emit messages (an alert for instance) which can be received by a distant RFID reader. Alert messages include at least the tag ID but may comprise additional information like a name or a location.