Modular RFID Sensor System with Detachable Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID sensor systems are limited in measuring multiple quantities simultaneously due to frequency band constraints and require multiple separate sensors, leading to increased energy consumption and complexity in adding new sensors to existing systems.
Innovation Solution
An RFID module and sensor module system with a detachable, modular structure, where the RFID module includes a microcontroller for data transfer, memory, and power supply, and the sensor module has a microcontroller for measurement control, allowing for easy connection and disconnection of multiple sensor modules via a standard interface for data and power transfer without additional wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate RFID sensors are used to measure different quantities, then measurement versatility is improved, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID module is designed with a universal interface that can connect to different types of sensor modules (acceleration, pressure, temperature, etc.), allowing a single RFID module to perform multiple measurement functions by simply changing the attached sensor module rather than using multiple separate RFID sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into two independent modules: an RFID module containing the transponder and communication functions, and a sensor module containing the measurement sensor. This segmentation allows the RFID module to remain energy-efficient while the sensor module can be optimized for specific measurement tasks
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate RFID sensors are used to measure different quantities, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal interface standard is implemented between the RFID module and sensor module, allowing different sensor modules to be interchangeably connected to the same RFID module without requiring additional wiring or configuration, thus reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID module and sensor module are combined into a single detachable assembly that functions as one integrated unit during operation, simplifying the system architecture compared to having multiple separate RFID sensors
3Adaptability or versatility
If RFID sensors are added to an existing system at a later stage, then adaptability is improved, but compatibility problems arise due to different RFID functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The universal interface design ensures that any sensor module can be connected to any RFID module with guaranteed compatibility, allowing reliable system expansion at any stage without functional compatibility issues
4Adaptability or versatility
If several RFID functionalities are used simultaneously, then measurement capabilities are improved, but frequency band limitations are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the RFID functionality into its own dedicated module, the system can manage frequency band usage more efficiently, with the RFID module handling communication tasks independently while the sensor module focuses on measurement tasks
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (300) comprising an active RFID module (101 ) and a sensor module (111, 111 a, 111 b) for performing a measurement and for delivering a measurement data via short range data transfer connection. The RFID module comprises an enclosure (102), data transfer means (103), memory means (104), current supply (105), interface means (106) and a microcontroller (107), which functionally connects the data transfer means, memory means, and interface means and controls their operation. The sensor module comprises an enclosure (112), a sensor (118a, 118b) for measuring at least one quantity, interface means (116a, 116b, 119a, 119b) and a microcontroller (117a, 117b), which functionally connects said sensor and interface means and controls their operation. The RFID module and the sensor module are adapted to be detachably connected to each other into a unitary functional module entity through said interface means, so that the sensor module is adapted to convey data measured by the sensor to the RFID module through the interface means, and the RFID means is further adapted to transfer said data measured by the sensor via a short range data transfer connection.