RFID Acupuncture Needle Structure for Reduced Metal Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable acupuncture needles face challenges in attaching radio frequency identification (RFID) tags due to their small size and metal composition, leading to metal interference and difficulty in achieving long-distance identification.
Innovation Solution
A wireless identification needle design featuring an acupuncture needle with a needle handle, an expansion sleeve, an electronic tag, and a protective sheath, which includes a substrate, antenna, and RFID chip, configured to minimize metal interference and enable long-distance identification through a separation gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If UHF RFID technology is used for long-distance identification, then identification distance is improved, but metal interference from the needle body causes signal transmission problems
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal needle body and the RFID antenna. This sleeve acts as a mediator that blocks the harmful electromagnetic interference from the metal needle while allowing the antenna to function normally for long-distance identification
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is extracted from direct contact with the metal needle body and positioned at the end of the insulating sleeve. This separation removes the antenna from the harmful metal environment while maintaining its identification function
2Adaptability or versatility
If an RFID electronic tag is attached to the needle, then identification capability is improved, but the small diameter of the needle handle makes attachment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sleeve extends the attachment structure in the axial dimension rather than relying solely on the limited radial space of the needle handle. This dimensional extension provides sufficient surface area for mounting the RFID antenna while maintaining compatibility with the thin needle handle
Solution Approach 2:
The needle structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the needle body for acupuncture function, the insulating sleeve for RFID attachment and interference isolation, and the antenna at the end for identification. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently
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 design allows for stable, long-distance RFID reading of up to 1.8 meters, effectively managing and tracking acupuncture needles, reducing the risk of reuse and enhancing hygiene and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna disposed with the substrate, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip electrically connected with two ends of the antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless identification needle (1) includes an acupuncture needle (10) and an electronic tag (40). The acupuncture needle (10) includes a needle body (11), a needle tip (12) provided at a front end of the needle body (11), and a needle handle (13) provided at a rear end of the needle body (11). The electronic tag (40) includes a substrate (41) directly or indirectly connected with the needle handle (13), an antenna (42) disposed with the substrate (41), and a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip (43) electrically connected with two ends (422) of the antenna (42). As a result, the wireless identification needle (1) has a table structure, a reduced metal interference, and a long-distance identification capability.