Mechatronic Key with Segmented Cover for Bidirectional RFID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechatronic keys have a thick key head due to passive RFID tags with metal extensions, limiting reading ability to one side and increasing manufacturing costs with complex processes.
Innovation Solution
A thinner, reversible mechatronic key design with a broken ring and integrated RFID tag allows successful reading from either side, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs by minimizing the key head thickness and using a non-conductive cover assembly to enhance reading distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a passive RFID tag with metal extension is used in existing mechatronic keys, then the key head becomes thick, but this design allows the key to be read only from one side due to electromagnetic wave blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The key head is divided into two separate covers (first cover and second cover) that can be opened to access the RFID tag. This segmentation allows the tag to be positioned within the key head depth without increasing overall thickness, and enables reading from either side by opening the appropriate cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is positioned in a plane parallel to the key blade rather than extending the key head thickness. The tag is mounted on an insulating base that allows it to be read from both sides of the key head by opening either cover, effectively utilizing the lateral dimension instead of increasing thickness.
2Reliability
If a passive RFID tag with metal extension is used, then the key head thickness increases, but manufacturing costs also increase due to complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag, insulating base, and two covers are combined into a single integrated assembly that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The key head design with two covers and an insulating base creates a universal structure that can accommodate standard RFID tags and allows reading from either side. This multi-functional design works with conventional RFID technology while improving reading reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the RFID tag antenna range is adjusted for one side of the key, then reading from that side works, but reading from the metal back side fails due to insufficient electromagnetic wave passage
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating base is introduced as an intermediary between the RFID tag and the key blade. This insulating base has electromagnetic properties that allow waves to pass through to the tag from both sides of the key head, acting as a mediator that enables bidirectional reading without blocking electromagnetic waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The key head is designed with asymmetric cover arrangements where the first cover opens to expose the tag for reading from one side, and the second cover opens to expose the tag for reading from the opposite side. This asymmetric design provides flexibility to read from either direction.
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
The key achieves improved reading performance and reduced manufacturing costs with a thinner profile, allowing successful communication from either side and increased reading distance without the need for complex manufacturing steps.
Implementation Method 1
a radiocommunication circuit (13) that is configured to wirelessly communicate with a control circuit (23) of an access system
Implementation Method 2
Passive tags are powered by energy from the reader device's interrogating radio waves
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mechatronic key (1) comprising a key blade (3) for inserting into a key channel, and a key head (5) for gripping the key (1). The key head (5) comprises a ring (7) surrounding a cavity (9), and an electric circuit (11) at least partially placed in the cavity (9), the electric circuit (11) being configured to wirelessly communicate with a reader device (13). The key head (5) further comprises a cover assembly (21, 22) for protecting the electric circuit (11), and which forms a grip element for gripping the key head (5).