Omega-Shaped Switch Impact Indicator Using Passive RFID
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective monitoring of environmental conditions, particularly impact detection, during the manufacturing, storage, and transit of sensitive or fragile objects to ensure their safety and quality.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a housing with an omega-shaped switch element and a mass member that moves within the housing in response to acceleration events, changing the switch circuitry's state to indicate impact or acceleration, which can be monitored using RFID technology without an internal power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional impact indicators with internal power sources are used, then reliable impact detection can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the internal power source from the impact indicator device, extracting the battery component entirely. The indicator uses passive RFID technology that draws power externally through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for internal battery management systems and reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external RFID reader as an intermediary between the impact indicator and the power source. Instead of having the indicator generate its own power, the external reader provides electromagnetic coupling to power the passive RFID tag, enabling reliable detection without internal power sources.
2Device complexity
If passive RFID technology is used without internal power source, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The external RFID reader serves as a mediator that provides the necessary electromagnetic power coupling to the passive RFID tag in the impact indicator. This intermediary enables the passive tag to function reliably without an internal power source, maintaining detection reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive RFID technology serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both the identification capability and the power transmission mechanism. The same electromagnetic coupling that enables RFID communication also powers the passive tag, eliminating the need for separate power management systems.
3Device complexity
If mechanical switch elements are used for impact detection, then simple structure is achieved, but measurement precision and response accuracy may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switch elements with a passive RFID-based detection system. Instead of using physical switches that may have wear and response delays, the system uses electromagnetic coupling to detect impact events, providing superior measurement precision and response accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 solution enables reliable and battery-free impact detection, providing a visual or RFID-based indication of exposure to impacts, ensuring the safety and quality of monitored objects by detecting acceleration events without the need for internal power.
Implementation Method 1
a mass member movable within the housing from a first position to a second position in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection includes a housing, switch circuitry having an omega-shaped switch element, and a mass member movable within the housing from a first position to a second position in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event. Movement of the mass member to the second position causes the mass member to move the switch element to change a state of a circuit condition of the switch circuitry, and the change of the state of the switch circuitry indicates receipt of the acceleration event.