RF Transponder Antenna Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio frequency devices for monitoring perishable goods during storage and transport face challenges in signal obstruction and degradation due to the proximity of sensors and antennas, limiting effective data collection and transmission without line of sight.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency device with a sensor connected to a radio frequency antenna via a flexible, meandering strip of carrier material that allows for adjustable distance between the sensor and antenna, enabling flexible placement and reducing signal obstruction, combined with a data memory circuit for storing data collected at intervals and a control circuit for timed measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the sensor is placed close to the radio frequency antenna for compact device structure, then device size is reduced, but signal obstruction and degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: the sensor unit and the radio frequency antenna unit are separated and can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the sensor to be placed close to the goods for accurate monitoring while the antenna is positioned separately to avoid signal obstruction, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting portion or extension circuit serves as an intermediary element between the sensor and the radio frequency antenna. This intermediary allows the sensor to be positioned at an optimal location for measurement while maintaining electrical connection to the antenna, enabling both compact integration and adequate signal transmission without direct obstruction.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is placed close to the goods for accurate monitoring, then measurement accuracy is improved, but signal obstruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the sensing function from the radio frequency transmission function. The sensor can be placed directly on or near the goods for accurate temperature monitoring, while the radio frequency antenna is positioned separately to avoid signal obstruction from the goods or the sensor housing, thus achieving both measurement precision and signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion acts as an intermediary that allows the sensor to be positioned close to the goods for accurate measurement while maintaining electrical connection to the remotely positioned antenna. This intermediary structure enables the sensor to operate in the optimal measurement position without causing signal obstruction.
3Reliability
If the antenna is placed at a distance from the goods to avoid signal degradation, then signal quality is improved, but data collection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sensing and communication functions into separate units. The sensor remains close to the goods for efficient data collection, while the antenna is positioned at an optimal distance for signal quality. This segmentation allows both functions to operate at their optimal positions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between proximity for efficiency and distance for signal quality.
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 efficient monitoring and data collection of perishable goods by allowing flexible placement of sensors relative to antennas, reducing signal interference, and facilitating wireless data transmission, while also storing data for later retrieval, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of temperature and other environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves sent by a so called reader at a certain frequency that can be received by a so called transponder, label or tag
Implementation Method 2
a sensor to collect certain data, as for instance temperature, pressure, humidity, position, acceleration, or other physical or chemical quantities
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency device comprises a radio frequency transponder having a radio frequency circuit and a radio frequency antenna, and a sensor conductively connected to the radio frequency antenna so that a measurement can be retrieved from the sensor by communicating with the transponder. The radio frequency antenna comprises a first portion which is used primarily for receiving and/or sending of radio frequency signals, and a second portion which is used primarily for conductively connecting the sensor to the first portion of the radio frequency antenna and which enables placing the sensor in a spaced-apart spatial relation to the first portion of the radio frequency antenna.