Planar Sensor Structure with Integrated RFID Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for detecting the presence or movement of objects using near-field sensors and escort memory tags face challenges in antenna placement, as they are prone to physical stress, visual obstruction, and require separate manufacturing and installation, which complicates achieving the desired coverage area.
Innovation Solution
A planar sensor structure with integrated conductive materials and insulating films forms a sensor element and conductors that can function as both a ground plane and antenna, allowing for the implementation of an excitation loop for reading escort memory tags without separate antenna units, enabling efficient detection of object presence and movement while withstanding physical stress and minimizing visual impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate antenna unit is manufactured and installed for reading escort memory tags, then the desired coverage area of excitation can be achieved, but the antenna placement becomes problematic due to physical stress, visual obstruction, and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna and sensor structure into a single integrated planar element. The conductive traces that form the antenna are embedded within the same planar structure as the sensors, eliminating the need for separate antenna units. This merging resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable antenna function without the complexity of separate installation and physical stress vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the sensor substrate and the antenna element. The conductive material layer forms both the electrical connections for sensors and the radiating elements for RFID communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate antenna components, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If the antenna is placed to cover the desired area for reading escort memory tags, then excitation coverage is improved, but the antenna may form visual detriment or obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the antenna from a traditional three-dimensional protruding structure to a two-dimensional planar configuration. By embedding the conductive antenna traces within the planar sensor structure, the solution achieves the required excitation coverage area while eliminating visual obstruction. The antenna function is maintained in the planar dimension without creating harmful visual effects in the third dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is implemented as thin conductive traces within the planar structure, analogous to using thin films rather than bulky components. This thin-film approach allows the antenna to provide adequate coverage area while remaining visually unobtrusive, as the conductive material layer is integrated into the planar surface rather than protruding outward.
3Reliability
If traditional antenna solutions are used for reading escort memory tags, then excitation can be sent, but the antenna is prone to physical stress and requires separate manufacturing and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process for the sensor structure and antenna is merged into a single integrated production line. The conductive material layer is deposited and patterned as part of the same manufacturing sequence that creates the sensor elements, eliminating separate antenna manufacturing and installation steps. This integration improves ease of manufacture while maintaining antenna durability through consistent quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The same manufacturing processes used to create the sensor substrate and conductive connections are also used to form the antenna elements. The conductive material layer serves both as electrical interconnects for sensors and as the radiating antenna structure. This universal manufacturing approach simplifies production while ensuring the antenna is as durable as the sensor structure itself.
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 integrated sensor structure allows for effective detection of object presence and movement by using the same conductive materials for both sensor elements and antennas, reducing physical stress vulnerability and visual obstruction, while enabling efficient excitation coverage without separate antenna installation, thus enhancing operational reliability and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor structure according to the invention is intended for measuring an electrical connection in order to detect the presence or movement of objects in the proximity of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The excitation used in reading an escort memory tag in prior-art solutions is sent with antenna solutions
Data Source
AI summary
The sensor structure according to the invention comprises sensor elements for the detection of objects occurring by measuring an electrical connection and also one or more antenna loops for activating an escort memory tag in connection with reading it. With the loop antennas in the structure of the sensor field according to the invention the reading of an escort memory tag can be activated e.g. in a situation in which an object is detected using a sensor field, in which object an escort memory tag that can be activated with an excitation sent with a loop antenna can be disposed. An advantage of the structure according to the invention is the simplicity of the technical arrangement achieved, and lower costs and better physical durability than prior-art solutions.