Metal Container RFID Tag with Ferromagnetic Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID labels or tags on containers are prone to forgery and require user intervention for accurate reading, especially in complex systems where positioning with reading devices is challenging, leading to a need for fail-proof identification.
Innovation Solution
A metal container with a base-mounted RFID identification module and a ferromagnetic shielding element, allowing for directional RF signal transmission and reception, integrated with a machine's RF communication module for automatic data communication, ensuring accurate and authentic container identification without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an RFID label or tag is adhered to the external surface of the container, then the container can be identified, but the identification is prone to forgery and the label is easily accessible and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID element is integrated into the container structure itself rather than being a separate adhered label. The container wall incorporates the RFID element at a specific location, merging the identification function with the container structure, making it impossible to separate or replace without damaging the container itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID element is embedded within the container wall structure, nested inside the container body. This nesting approach protects the RFID element from external access while maintaining its identification function, preventing both forgery and unauthorized replacement.
2Reliability
If an RFID element is embedded in a single point within the object side-wall, then the identification is more secure, but accurate reading requires accurate positioning of the RFID element with respect to the reading device
Solution Approach 1:
The reading device is designed with a universal reading head that can read the RFID element regardless of the container's orientation or position. The reading head incorporates multiple antennas or a omnidirectional antenna system that can detect the RFID signal from various angles, eliminating the need for precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading device incorporates dynamic signal processing that adapts to different container positions and orientations. The system dynamically adjusts the reading parameters and antenna selection based on the detected signal strength and direction, ensuring reliable reading without requiring precise manual positioning.
3Reliability
If an RFID element is embedded in the container wall, then the identification is integrated, but the metal container interferes with the RF signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive spacer or intermediary layer is introduced between the metal container wall and the RFID element. This intermediary layer acts as a barrier that prevents the metal from interfering with the RF signal while maintaining the integrated structure, allowing the RFID element to function properly within the metal container.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure incorporates composite materials that combine metal with RF-transparent or RF-shielding layers. The composite construction allows the metal to provide structural strength while the RF-transparent layer enables signal transmission, or the RF-shielding layer directs the signal away from metal interference zones.
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
Ensures reliable and automatic container identification, preventing forgery and ensuring only authentic containers are used, with data on authenticity and usage tracked for quality control and operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The shielding element is made of a ferromagnetic metal/alloy, such as ferrite steel, zinc-ferrite, manganese-zinc-ferrite, barium-ferrite, cobalt-ferrite, etc.
Implementation Method 2
The RFID element comprises an antenna and a RF transceiver circuitry
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a container containing a fluid, such as pressurized gas, and a machine with a receptacle for utilizing such container.