Piezoelectric Sensor RFID Tag for Tamper-Proof Data Logging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID tags without battery power cannot record events such as tampering with containers when not powered by an electromagnetic signal, limiting their ability to track environmental conditions or tampering evidence.

Innovation Solution

An RFID tag equipped with a piezoelectric sensor that generates electrical power to write data into non-volatile memory when subjected to mechanical force, allowing it to record events like tampering without requiring a battery or reader signal, and can also be used to switch between operating states or charge a rechargeable battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If RFID tag uses non-volatile memory to record events, then data storage capability is improved, but power consumption increases because writing to non-volatile memory requires electrical power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric sensor generates electrical power itself through mechanical force application, eliminating the need for external power sources or batteries. The sensor serves dual purposes: detecting tampering events and powering the memory write operation simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power source parameter from chemical (battery) or electromagnetic (reader signal) to mechanical (applied force on piezoelectric sensor). This parameter change enables power generation specifically when tampering events occur, matching the timing of data recording needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If RFID tag operates without battery power, then device size and cost are reduced, but ability to record tampering events is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidtampering detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric sensor performs multiple functions: it acts as both the tampering detection sensor and the power generation device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery components while maintaining tampering recording capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical battery system with a mechanical energy conversion system. Mechanical force applied to the piezoelectric sensor directly generates electrical energy through piezoelectric effect, substituting the need for chemical energy storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If RFID tag waits for reader signal to power operations, then power management is simplified, but response time to record tampering events is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management complexityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric sensor is pre-configured to generate power immediately when mechanical force is applied, before any reader signal arrives. This preliminary power generation enables immediate data recording at the moment of tampering, eliminating delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tag system becomes self-powered through the piezoelectric effect, generating its own operating power from the tampering event itself. This self-service capability eliminates dependency on external reader signals for power provision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the RFID tag to record tampering events and switch between operating states using mechanical force, providing reliable data storage and tampering evidence without the need for continuous power, enhancing tracking and security capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The piezoelectric sensor produces an electrical charge that momentarily supplies electrical power to the RFID tag when subjected to a mechanical force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8279048B2RFID tag with piezoelectric sensor for power and input data

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 AMTECH SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

An RFID tag having a non-volatile memory and a piezoelectric sensor. The piezoelectric sensor produces an electrical charge that momentarily supplies electrical power to the RFID tag when subjected to a mechanical force and the electrical power is sufficient to record data in the non-volatile memory. The piezoelectric sensor is affixed to an article such that an attempt to tamper with the article produces sufficient mechanical force on the piezoelectric sensor to record data evidencing the tampering in the non-volatile memory.