Movable Antenna for RFID Inspection via Electromagnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID inspection apparatuses face challenges with null points and durability issues due to the use of phased array antennas and coaxial cables, leading to inefficient reading of RFID tags across various orientations and increased operator burden.
Innovation Solution
A movable antenna system with a holder, radiating element, and feed elements that move in a longitudinal direction, maintaining an interval for electromagnetic coupling, reducing null points and improving durability by eliminating coaxial cable bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is moved to improve reading coverage, then tag reading reliability is improved, but coaxial cable durability deteriorates due to repeated bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coaxial cable connection with an electromagnetic coupling system. The movable antenna is electromagnetically coupled to a feed element through a predetermined interval, allowing energy transfer without physical cable connection. This substitution eliminates the mechanical bending stress on cables while enabling the antenna to move freely for comprehensive tag reading coverage.
2Device complexity
If a flat antenna is installed to simplify the structure, then device complexity is reduced, but null points are created where tags are difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the simplicity of a flat antenna structure but introduces dynamic movement along the longitudinal axis. By moving the simple flat antenna through different positions, the system achieves comprehensive coverage without creating null points, combining structural simplicity with reading reliability through dynamic spatial variation.
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 movable antenna system ensures reliable and efficient reading of RFID tags across different orientations without null points, reducing operator burden and enhancing durability by maintaining energy transfer through electromagnetic coupling.
Implementation Method 1
a first feed element that is attached to the holder and electromagnetically coupled to the antenna radiating element, a base plate in a facing arrangement with the holder, a second feed element on the base plate and configured to face and overlap at least a portion of the first feed element
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a movable antenna includes a holder, an antenna radiating element attached to the holder, a first feed element that is attached to the holder and electromagnetically coupled to the antenna radiating element, a base plate in a facing arrangement with the holder, a second feed element on the base plate and configured to face and overlap at least a portion of the first feed element, and a mechanism that moves the holder in a longitudinal direction of the second feed element while maintaining an interval between the first and second feed element permitting energy to be transferred between the first and second feed elements.