Passive RF Transponder Safety Detection for Automation Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety solutions for automation cell safety, such as optical sensors and wearable devices with power sources, are prone to false alarms and require additional redundancy, while advanced solutions like 3D cameras and AI are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A detector and reflector system using passive transponders with non-linear devices that respond to RF interrogation signals with harmonic frequencies, allowing for accurate location tracking and identification of users or items, and triggering safety commands or access control without the need for power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used for safety detection, then motion detection capability is improved, but false alarm rate increases due to sensitivity to random objects in ambient light
Solution Approach 1:
The passive transponder uses frequency transformation to change the 'color' (frequency) of the reflected signal. When illuminated by an interrogation signal at frequency f0, the non-linear device generates response signals at harmonic frequencies (2f0, 3f0, etc.). This frequency transformation allows the detector to distinguish genuine transponders from random objects, eliminating false alarms while maintaining motion detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If wearable devices with power sources are used for safety monitoring, then identification capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional fail-safe redundancy requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The passive transponder is self-powered by harvesting energy from the received interrogation signal. The non-linear device converts the RF energy at frequency f0 into harmonic frequencies, eliminating the need for batteries or power sources. This self-service approach removes the complexity of power management and associated fail-safe redundancy while maintaining identification capability through frequency-based recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical power source system with an electromagnetic energy harvesting system. Instead of using batteries or power supplies that require management and redundancy, the system uses the electromagnetic field itself to power the transponder, substituting a complex powered system with a simpler passive electromagnetic response system.
3Measurement precision
If 3D cameras and AI are used for safety monitoring, then detection accuracy is improved, but cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The passive transponder uses inexpensive non-linear devices (such as diodes or varactors) that can be easily manufactured and integrated into wearable tags. These simple components replace expensive 3D cameras and AI processing systems, providing sufficient detection accuracy through frequency-based identification without the need for complex image processing hardware.
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 system provides reliable and cost-effective automation cell safety by reducing false alarms and eliminating the need for power sources, while enabling precise tracking and authorization, thus enhancing worker safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
generating, by a non-linear device of at least one passive transponder in response to at least one interrogation signal, at least one response signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for a detector and reflector for automation cell safety and identification are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method for machinery safety comprises transmitting, by an active transponder, at least one interrogation signal. The method further comprises receiving, by at least one passive transponder located on a user or on an item, the interrogation signal(s). Also, the method comprises generating, by a non-linear device of the passive transponder(s) in response to the interrogation signal(s), at least one response signal. In addition, the method comprises receiving, by the active transponder, the response signal(s). Additionally, the method comprises determining, by at least one processor, a location of the passive transponder(s) based on the response signal(s). Further, the method comprises determining, by the processor(s), whether the passive transponder(s) is located within a threshold distance away from machinery by using the location of the passive transponder(s).