Passive RFID Vibration Sensor Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration measurement technologies often distort the vibrations of measurement objects due to mechanical coupling and require battery-powered sensors, which can lead to inaccuracies and maintenance issues.

Innovation Solution

A sensor arrangement with a passive RFID transponder and an acceleration sensor unit that is contactlessly powered and data-transmitted, allowing for a minimally invasive, battery-free, and wirelessly readable solution that attaches to measurement objects via material, form, or non-positive fit, using electromagnetic induction for energy and RFID for data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a measuring head with vibration sensor is attached to a test screw on the measurement object, then vibration data can be obtained, but the mechanical coupling distorts the vibrations of the measurement object

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration measurement accuracyVSAvoidvibration distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system (measuring head attached to test screw) with a wireless system. The sensor unit communicates with the external evaluation device via wireless communication, eliminating the mechanical connection that caused vibration distortion while maintaining the ability to obtain vibration data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the evaluation device from direct contact with the measurement object. By placing the evaluation device externally and using wireless communication for data transmission, the system removes the source of mechanical interference while preserving measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If battery-powered sensors are used for vibration measurement, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but maintenance issues and potential inaccuracies arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor unit is designed to be powered by the measurement object itself through electromagnetic induction. The evaluation device generates an alternating magnetic field that induces current in the sensor unit, eliminating the need for external batteries or power sources and enabling maintenance-free operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an alternating magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer energy from the evaluation device to the sensor unit. This magnetic field coupling enables wireless power transmission without physical contact or batteries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a handheld RFID receiver is used to identify and read measurement data, then wireless data transmission is achieved, but the system requires complex activation and communication protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless data accessVSAvoidsystem activation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor unit and RFID transponder into a single integrated device. This merging allows the sensor data to be automatically transmitted via RFID communication without requiring separate activation steps or complex protocols, simplifying the overall system operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation device serves multiple functions: it generates the alternating magnetic field for wireless power transmission, communicates measurement specifications to the sensor unit, receives measurement data via RFID, and evaluates the vibration information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices.

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

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

Enables highly precise, cost-effective, and maintenance-free vibration determination without influencing the measurement object, allowing for accurate and continuous monitoring of vibrations in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

the passive RFID transponder can be contactlessly powered and the acceleration sensor unit can be operated with this electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

transmitted via the RFID transponder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID wireless transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2817596B1Sensor assembly, device and method for determining vibrations of a measurement object, and measurement object having at least one such sensor assembly
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 MICRO SENSYS
  • EP2817596B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2817596B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2817596B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor assembly (3) for determining vibrations of a measurement object (1), which sensor assembly is or can be fastened to the measurement object (1) in a bonded, form-closed, and/or force-closed manner, comprising an RFID transponder (5) and an acceleration sensor unit (7) coupled to the RFID transponder, wherein sensor data of the acceleration sensor unit (7) are to be sent by means of the RFID transponder (5). The invention further relates to a device (2) for determining vibrations of a measurement object (1), to a measurement object (1) having at least one sensor assembly (3), and to a method for determining vibrations of a measurement object (1).