Load-Bearing Part with Integrated RFID Data Carrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load-carrying parts in lifting, lashing, and conveyor technology made of electrically conductive materials face challenges in integrating data carriers that can be read without contact, particularly in terms of manufacturing complexity and accessibility for reading devices.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a data carrier, such as an RFID element, is achieved by hammering it into the load-carrying part with radially projecting holding ribs that provide a force-fitting and centered securement, and a circumferential collar for sealing and protection, allowing for easy access and reading despite the conductive material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the data carrier is integrated into the load-carrying part made of electrically conductive material, then the data carrier can be securely held and protected, but the reading of the data carrier without contact becomes difficult due to electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of data carrierVSAvoidreading difficulty of data carrier
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The load-carrying part is divided into functionally separated regions: a data carrier receptacle for RFID element integration and a flat reading area with non-conductive properties. This segmentation allows the data carrier to be securely held in the receptacle while providing an interference-free zone for reading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The load-carrying part features locally differentiated electromagnetic properties: the receptacle area has conductive material for secure holding, while the reading area has non-conductive or low-conductivity properties to enable contactless reading without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the data carrier is securely fixed in the load-carrying part, then the data carrier remains protected and stable, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of data carrierVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data carrier integration is separated into a distinct receptacle component that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the load-carrying part. This reduces overall manufacturing complexity by allowing specialized tooling for the receptacle while keeping the main load-carrying part production unchanged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding ribs on the data carrier are designed to automatically center and secure the RFID element within the receptacle during assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms or additional fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the data carrier is accessible for reading, then reading devices can easily read the data, but the data carrier may be exposed to contamination and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for readingVSAvoidcontamination and damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The load-carrying part is segmented into a protected receptacle area and an accessible reading area. The receptacle provides physical protection and sealing for the data carrier, while the flat reading area on the surface allows easy access for reading devices without exposing the data carrier itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flat reading area acts as an intermediary zone that enables electromagnetic communication with the data carrier without requiring direct contact or exposing the data carrier to external contaminants. The reading surface serves as a mediation interface between the protected data carrier and the external reading environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution simplifies the manufacturing process, enhances data carrier accessibility, and ensures reliable sealing and protection against contamination, facilitating easy reading and maintenance while maintaining the structural integrity of the load-carrying part.

Implementation Method 1

The data carrier is hammered into the load-carrying part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

The holding ribs are preferably crimped in the folded state and hold the data carrier in a force-fitting manner in the load-carrying part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The collar can serve as a seal that prevents contamination and moisture from entering the gap between the data carrier and the load-bearing part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP2508461B1Load bearer with contactless readable data carrier
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 RUD KETTENFABRIK RIEGER & DIETZ GMBH & CO
  • EP2508461B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2508461B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2508461B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a load-bearing component (1) for lifting, lashing, and/or conveying applications, into which at least one non-contact readable data carrier (14) is integrated. To simplify the attachment of the data carrier (14), it is embedded in the load-bearing component (1). The data carrier (14) can be arranged, in particular, on a head (31) of the load-bearing component (1), a fastening element (32), for example, an axle pin, or in an opening for such a fastening element. To facilitate location, relief-like markings (17) can be arranged adjacent to the data carrier (14).