RFID Battery Energy Detection via Passive Repeater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer devices using disposable or rechargeable batteries often lack an indication of remaining energy levels, requiring inconvenient battery removal and testing for users to assess power levels.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing RFID technology with passive repeaters and magnetic diverters to enhance signal coupling between RFID tags and readers, allowing for the detection of battery energy levels without removing the batteries from devices, and providing additional information like identification and environmental data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RFID tags are placed on batteries within devices, then battery energy level detection becomes possible without removal, but signal coupling between the RFID tag and reader deteriorates due to conductive body interference
Solution Approach 1:
A passive repeater is introduced as an intermediary component between the RFID tag on the battery and the external reader. The repeater receives the reader's signal, amplifies it, and retransmits it to the RFID tag, thereby overcoming the signal blocking caused by the conductive battery body and enabling reliable communication without requiring battery removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using a passive repeater that operates at the same resonant frequency as the RFID tag. This frequency matching optimizes signal coupling and enables the RFID tag to be read through the conductive body by tuning the system to a frequency where signal penetration is maximized.
2Loss of information
If multiple RFID tags are positioned on conductive bodies, then data transmission capability is enhanced, but signal interference and coupling loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The passive repeater serves as a mediator that consolidates and amplifies signals before transmitting them to multiple RFID tags. This approach reduces signal loss by using a single strong transmitted signal that is then distributed to multiple tags, rather than requiring multiple separate transmissions that would each suffer from conductive body interference.
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 users to determine the remaining energy of batteries within devices, improving convenience and accuracy while maintaining compatibility with conductive bodies and enhancing signal communication.
Implementation Method 1
a second RFID tag having a resonant frequency which is similar to that of the first RFID tag, wherein the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag provide data to a reader, and wherein the second RFID tag is positioned adjacent to the first RFID tag such that signal coupling between the first RFID tag and a reader is increased
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic diverter positioned on an outer surface of the conductive body, the magnetic diverter covering a substantial portion of the outer surface of the conductive body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A system having first and second disposable or rechargeable batteries with outer surfaces. RFID tags having similar resonant frequencies are positioned on the outer surfaces of the batteries. The RFID tags in the system are positioned adjacent to one another to increase signal coupling with a reader.