Resonant Sensor Reflector Layout for Long-Range State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional detecting systems using electromagnetic waves for state change detection suffer from low accuracy due to attenuation of wave intensity with distance and small changes in resonance peaks, making it difficult to detect state changes with high precision, especially in systems using high-frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

A detecting system comprising a sensor with a metal pattern antenna unit, a back surface reflector, and an isolation layer, where the reader compares reflection characteristics of the sensor with stored data to accurately detect state changes by transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If electromagnetic waves in high frequency band are used for miniaturization of sensor, then sensor size is reduced, but detection accuracy drops significantly due to large propagation attenuation factor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor sizeVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies resonance phenomenon (electromagnetic vibration) by designing the sensor to resonate at specific frequencies. The sensor includes a resonant structure that amplifies electromagnetic wave interaction, enabling detection despite high frequency attenuation. The resonance enhances the interaction between electromagnetic waves and the sensor, compensating for signal loss over distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor employs composite结构设计 combining conductive materials (for antenna and resonant structures) with substrate materials. This composite approach optimizes both miniaturization and detection performance by selecting materials with appropriate electromagnetic properties to enhance resonance and reduce losses at high frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Length of stationary object

If distance between reader and sensor is increased, then detection range is extended, but detection accuracy drops due to inverse fourth power attenuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection distanceVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor utilizes resonance to amplify the electromagnetic interaction at the sensor location. By designing the sensor to resonate at the operating frequency, the effective interaction strength is enhanced, allowing detection at longer distances despite the inverse fourth power attenuation of electromagnetic waves in the high frequency band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes sensor parameters including resonant frequency, Q-factor, and geometric dimensions to maximize detection range while maintaining accuracy. By tuning these parameters, the sensor achieves optimal performance for extended detection distances, compensating for signal attenuation through enhanced resonance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional sensor structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but reflected wave intensity is hardly maintained and state detection accuracy is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstate detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor incorporates a resonant structure that vibrates electromagnetically at specific frequencies. This resonance amplifies the reflected wave intensity, enabling accurate state detection. The resonant design maintains strong reflected signals even with simple manufacturing processes, bridging the gap between ease of manufacture and detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor design optimizes the electromagnetic 'signature' or reflection characteristics of the sensor structure. By carefully designing the resonant structure geometry and material properties, the sensor produces distinctive and strong reflected wave patterns that enable accurate state detection, similar to how color changes provide visual information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 enables high-accuracy detection of state changes in objects or environmental changes by amplifying resonance phenomena and increasing contrast in reflected wave intensity, improving detection accuracy even at longer distances.

Implementation Method 1

the reader uses a method of detecting a state change in the sensor by receiving reflected waves from the sensor when transmitting electromagnetic waves of a predetermined frequency to the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a back surface reflector that faces the antenna unit via an isolation layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3876153B1Detecting system, and reader
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • EP3876153B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3876153B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3876153B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A detecting system includes: a sensor (10) that includes an antenna unit (11) formed with a metal pattern, and a back surface reflector (13) that faces the antenna unit (11) via an isolation layer (12); and a reader (20) that transmits electromagnetic waves (Fa) to the sensor (10), receives reflected waves (Fr) from the sensor (10), and compares the reflection characteristics of the sensor (10) detected from the reflected waves (Fr) with the reflection characteristics of the sensor (10) stored in advance, to detect a state change in the sensor (10).