RFID Angular Position Sensing via Segmented Ring Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID sensor systems are inadequate for accurately sensing the angular position of rotating structures, as they lack efficient methods to track and measure relative positional changes between moving components.
Innovation Solution
The system employs ring-shaped elements with integrated RFID circuits and antennas that generate electromagnetic energy, allowing for data transmission to derive angular position information through a processor, enabling precise tracking of relative movements between supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional RFID sensor systems are used, then simple identification can be achieved, but accurate angular position sensing of rotating structures cannot be accomplished
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the angular position measurement into discrete segments by placing multiple ring-shaped elements at different angular positions. Each element acts as an independent sensing unit that can be individually activated and identified, allowing the system to determine angular position by detecting which element is currently in the electromagnetic field. This segmentation enables accurate angular measurement without requiring a single complex sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring-shaped elements serve multiple functions: they act as both the sensing target for angular position detection and as resonant structures for electromagnetic energy coupling. The RFID circuits in these elements provide both identification capabilities and sensing functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic energy is transmitted to energize RFID circuits, then data transmission can be achieved, but energy transfer efficiency and impedance matching become critical challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes energy transfer by carefully designing the electrical parameters of the ring-shaped elements, including their inductance, capacitance, and resonant frequency. By adjusting these parameters to match the transmitting antenna's characteristics, the system achieves impedance matching that maximizes energy transfer efficiency. This reduces energy loss and improves the reliability of data transmission from the RFID circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring-shaped elements act as intermediary structures between the transmitting antenna and the RFID circuits. These elements serve as resonant intermediaries that couple the electromagnetic energy from the antenna to the RFID circuits, enhancing the efficiency of energy transfer. The rings mediate the interaction between the antenna and RFID tags, ensuring optimal energy transfer while maintaining impedance matching.
3Measurement precision
If ring-shaped elements are spaced apart in a curvilinear arrangement, then angular position can be tracked, but the complexity of positioning and data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a curvilinear arrangement of ring-shaped elements that follow the circular path of rotation. This curved geometry naturally aligns with the rotational motion, allowing the system to track angular position by detecting which element is currently activated. The curvilinear spacing provides uniform angular coverage while maintaining geometric simplicity that facilitates easy positioning and data processing.
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
This solution provides accurate and reliable angular position sensing by optimizing energy transfer and impedance matching between antennas and RFID circuits, facilitating effective data transmission for precise positional analysis.
Implementation Method 1
electric current is generated along the antenna's electrically-conductive path and electromagnetic energy emanates from the antenna such that at least one of the ring-shaped elements and its RFID integrated circuit is energized by the electromagnetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
An angular position sensing system includes a first support with ring-shaped elements disposed thereon and spaced apart from one another in a curvilinear arrangement. Each ring-shaped element includes an electrically-conductive ring and an RFID integrated circuit electrically coupled to its electrically-conductive ring. A second support has an antenna coupled thereto that defines an electrically-conductive path commensurate in size and shape to at least a portion of the electrically-conductive ring. An interrogator transmits a signal to the antenna wherein electric current is generated along the antenna's electrically-conductive path and electromagnetic energy emanates from the antenna. Any ring-shaped element and its RFID integrated circuit energized by the electromagnetic energy generates in response a data transmission for receipt by the interrogator. A processor coupled to the interrogator derives information related to an angular position of one of the first support and second support using the data transmission.