RFID Transponder Antenna Layout for Fluid Line Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio transponders, such as RFID tags, have limited range and are difficult to automate and integrate into complex geometries like fluid lines, especially in hose manufacturing, leading to high application costs and suboptimal integration.

Innovation Solution

A radio transponder design featuring a helical primary antenna with a wire- or yarn-shaped secondary antenna contactlessly coupled inside, allowing for a compact structure that can be easily integrated into fluid lines, with the secondary antenna extending along the primary antenna's axis for reliable electromagnetic coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a conventional RFID tag with embedded chip and primary antenna is used, then the device is compact, but the communication range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidantenna structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested antenna configuration where the secondary antenna is positioned inside the helical primary antenna structure. This nesting arrangement allows the larger secondary antenna to be accommodated within the space occupied by the primary antenna, thereby extending the communication range without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint or structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar antenna layout to a three-dimensional helical structure for the primary antenna, with the secondary antenna arranged along the helical axis. This dimensional change allows optimal spatial utilization and electromagnetic coupling while maintaining compact overall dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If manual application of RFID tags is used in fluid line manufacturing, then integration is flexible, but production costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication automationVSAvoidintegration difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna system into two separate functional components: a primary antenna integrated with the chip during fluid line manufacturing, and a secondary antenna that can be applied separately. This segmentation enables automated application processes while maintaining manufacturing flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The primary antenna and chip are pre-integrated into the fluid line during the manufacturing process, establishing the foundation for later automated application of the secondary antenna, which completes the RFID tag functionality without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rectangular RFID tags are used, then manufacturing is simple, but integration into fluid lines of various geometries is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometry adaptationVSAvoidantenna configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible wire-shaped secondary antenna elements that can be dynamically configured to match various fluid line geometries. These antennas can be arranged longitudinally, circumferentially, or in custom patterns around the fluid line, providing adaptability to different shapes and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different antenna configurations to different locations and orientations on the fluid line. The secondary antenna can be positioned and shaped locally to optimize performance for specific geometric requirements, allowing the same basic device structure to adapt to various fluid line geometries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local 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, automated, and damage-resistant integration of radio transponders into fluid lines, ensuring a wide range and flexibility in geometry adaptation, facilitating cost-effective manufacturing and assembly.

Implementation Method 1

the electrical coupling between the primary and secondary antennas is contactless, e.g., inductive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4345684B1Radio transponder
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 CONTITECH TECHNO CHEMIE GMBH
  • EP4345684B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4345684B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4345684B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a radio transponder (100), in particular an RFID tag, comprising a chip (110), a helical primary antenna (120) electrically connected to the chip (110), a wire- or yarn-shaped secondary antenna (130) coupled to the primary antenna (120) without contact, wherein a longitudinal section (131) of the secondary antenna (130) extends along the helical axis of the primary antenna (120) through the primary antenna (120).