RFID Adapter Coupling Circuit for Dual-Side Tag Reading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID-based physical layer management systems are limited in tracking rear connectors and cables, especially in outside plant telecommunication networks where access to power and communication lines is restricted, making it difficult to perform localized reads of both front and rear RFID tags without separate positioning of the RFID reader.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a coupling circuit that enhances the read range of a portable RFID reader, allowing it to perform localized reads of both front and rear RFID tags inserted into the adapter from a single location, using pickup coils and a reader coil to couple the RFID reader to both tags, thereby eliminating the need for separate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional RFID reader is used to read RFID tags on both front and rear connectors, then the reader must be positioned separately at each connector location, but this increases the complexity of operation and time required for tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple RFID reading functions into a single adapter unit. The adapter includes a first RFID reader for reading the front connector tag and a second RFID reader for reading the rear connector tag, both integrated into one physical device. This merging allows the user to perform both reads by positioning a single adapter at one location, eliminating the need to separately position readers at multiple connector locations and significantly reducing operational time and complexity.
2Loss of information
If separate RFID readers are positioned at front and rear connectors, then both tags can be read, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the second RFID reader (for rear connector) is positioned within or integrated into the adapter housing that contains the first RFID reader (for front connector). Both readers share the same physical platform and power source, with their antennas strategically positioned to read tags at different locations. This nesting approach allows complete tracking information to be obtained while minimizing the number of separate devices and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If RFID readers are integrated into the patch panel, then front connector tags can be read conveniently, but rear connector tags cannot be automatically tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal adapter that performs multiple functions: it serves as a physical connector adapter for signal transmission, an RFID tag reader for front connectors, and an RFID tag reader for rear connectors. By integrating these diverse functions into a single device, the adapter becomes versatile enough to handle both front and rear connector tracking, making the system adaptable to complete PLM requirements without requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
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 and convenient tracking of both front and rear RFID tags in the adapter, improving operational efficiency and adaptability in environments with limited access to power and communication lines, such as outside plant telecommunication networks.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling circuit configured so that a portable RFID reader can be positioned near a first part of the coupling circuit associated with the first side of the adapter in order to perform a localized read of both an RFID tag attached to the first connector inserted into the first jack of the adapter and an RFID tag attached to the second connector inserted into the second jack of the adapter, wherein the coupling circuit is used to enhance a read range of the portable RFID reader when performing the localized read
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to an adapter comprising a coupling circuit configured so that a portable RFID reader can be positioned near a first part of the coupling circuit associated with a first side of the adapter in order to perform a localized read of both an RFID tag attached to a first connector inserted into a first jack of the adapter and an RFID tag attached to a second connector inserted into a second jack of the adapter, wherein the coupling circuit is used to enhance a read range of the portable RFID reader when performing the localized read. These embodiments can be used in the outside plant of a telecommunications network. Other embodiments are disclosed.