RFID Tag System for Electromagnetic Cable Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing identification systems for electromagnetic energy cables in residential, commercial, or industrial settings are messy and difficult to use, making it hard to determine which sources of electricity or communication provide power to specific cable connectors, leading to issues during maintenance or repairs.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency identification (RFID) or near field communications (NFC) tag system is placed on or near electromagnetic energy cable outlet faceplates to identify connected sources, allowing for easy monitoring and control of electromagnetic energy cables, including creating lists of associated outlets and switches, and managing user access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional identification methods (manual labeling, written records) are used for electromagnetic energy cables, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but the identification process becomes messy and difficult to use, leading to increased time for maintenance and repair operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/manual identification methods (physical labels, written records) with an electronic RFID/NFC tag system. The RFID tags embedded in cable connectors and faceplates enable automated electronic identification through wireless communication, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping and visual inspection of physical labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of cable connection information stored in RFID tags. Instead of relying on physical labels or human memory, the system stores duplicate identification data electronically in the RFID tags, which can be rapidly read by scanning devices to retrieve cable connection details without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If RFID/NFC tag systems are implemented for cable identification, then identification accuracy and efficiency improve, but device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal RFID and NFC technologies that can identify multiple types of electromagnetic energy cables (electrical, communication, data, fiber optic) through a single standardized system. The RFID tags and readers are designed to work across different cable types and applications, eliminating the need for separate identification systems for each cable category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device application as an intermediary between the RFID tags and the user. The app simplifies the complex RFID communication process by providing an intuitive interface for scanning, displaying, and managing cable connection information, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for end users while maintaining high identification accuracy.
3Productivity
If comprehensive cable identification and tracking systems are implemented, then maintenance and repair operations become more efficient, but the initial implementation cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements RFID tags during the cable installation and termination process itself, rather than as a separate post-installation step. The tags are embedded in the cable connectors and faceplates before the cables are routed and connected, ensuring that identification capability is built into the system from the outset. This preliminary action eliminates the need for retroactive tagging and simplifies the overall implementation process.
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 RFID/NFC tag system simplifies the identification of connected sources, reduces downtime during cable replacements, and enhances user management, providing a more efficient and effective method for tracking and controlling electromagnetic energy cables.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag located on a front side of the electromagnetic energy cable outlet faceplate cover such that the radio frequency identification tag contains information related to which of the at least one source of electromagnetic energy
Implementation Method 2
the RFID tag can be used to identify which source of electromagnetic energy is connected to and controls a particular electromagnetic energy cable connector
Data Source
AI summary
A system for identifying which electromagnetic energy cable outlets are connected to a particular source of electromagnetic energy, including an electromagnetic energy cable outlet faceplate cover having at least one electromagnetic energy cable outlet opening such that the electromagnetic energy cable outlet faceplate cover is located over an electromagnetic energy cable outlet connector, an electromagnetic energy cable operatively connected to at least one source of electromagnetic energy and the electromagnetic energy cable outlet connector; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to, embedded within, or located adjacent to the back side of the electromagnetic energy cable outlet faceplate cover, such that the radio frequency identification tag contains information related to which of the at least one source of electromagnetic energy is connected to the electromagnetic energy cable outlet.