Passive RFID Transponder Remote Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote controls are often cumbersome, require a permanent power supply, and are not easily customizable or adaptable for individual use, lacking flexibility and maintenance-free design.

Innovation Solution

A passive RFID-based remote control system that is thin, flexible, and waterproof, with autonomously switchable transponders that can be cut to size and customized, using resonant frequencies for energy transmission and contact activation, integrated into objects or substrates, and compatible with existing WLAN routers for command processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional remote controls are used, then remote control function is achieved, but the device requires a permanent power supply and is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply requirementVSAvoidcumbersomeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The passive RFID transponder is powered by the electromagnetic field generated by the reader, eliminating the need for an internal power supply. The system serves itself by harvesting energy from the existing electromagnetic environment rather than requiring dedicated battery power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply function is extracted from the remote control device itself and transferred to the reader system. By removing the battery and power management components from the handheld device, the remote control becomes significantly lighter and simpler while the reader assumes the power provisioning role.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Use of energy by moving object

If passive RFID transponders are used, then no power supply is needed, but energy transmission requires resonant frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply independenceVSAvoidenergy transmission requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes electromagnetic resonance at specific frequencies to transfer energy from the reader to the passive transponder. By tuning the transponder to resonate at the same frequency as the reader's electromagnetic field, efficient wireless power transfer is achieved without physical contact or internal power sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Adaptability or versatility

If the remote control is made flexible and thin, then it can be attached to various surfaces, but it requires waterproofing and special attachment methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The passive RFID transponder is constructed as a thin, flexible film that can conform to various surfaces including curved and uneven areas. This flexible film structure eliminates the need for rigid housings while maintaining protective encapsulation of the electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive backing serves multiple functions: it provides waterproof sealing, enables attachment to various surfaces, and protects the transponder components. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall design by combining protection and mounting into a single integrated layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the remote control is customized for individual use, then it meets specific user needs, but it requires cutting and printing processes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control system is divided into modular components: a reusable passive transponder film and a customizable label layer. Users can cut and customize only the label portion while reusing the electronic components, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining customizability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The button layout and labeling can be copied from existing remote controls or customized using printing processes. This allows users to replicate familiar interfaces or create custom layouts without redesigning the entire system, simplifying the customization process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 provides a customizable, low-maintenance, and flexible remote control system that can be used by individuals with disabilities, operates without batteries, and is waterproof, with energy sourced from available radio networks, enabling easy attachment and operation on various surfaces, including uneven or curved ones.

Implementation Method 1

The energy for the switchable RFID transponder is preferably transmitted via the resonant frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonant frequencies: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

The transmission of the signal (information) takes place in particular in the form of the influencing of the electromagnetic field of the transmitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the remote control for technical devices includes a passive RFID transponder, which triggers a switching contact when a user physically touches it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical contact: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3039661B1Remote control by means of passive components
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP3039661B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3039661B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3039661B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to the remote control for technical devices, comprising a passive RFID transponder which triggers a switch contact in the event of a physical contact of a user, in order to emit information to control the technical device.