RFID Cable-Tie Carrier for Oil Gas Equipment Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking systems for oil and gas exploration and production components are antiquated, relying on paper reports or first-generation computer systems that cannot monitor parts in real-time, leading to inefficiencies and potential for erroneous data collection.
Innovation Solution
A cable-tie carrier system that securely holds an electronic chip, such as an RFID or NFC tag, with a recessed cavity to expose the antenna and a cable that forms a loop to attach to parts, enabling real-time data transmission and tracking of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If paper reports or first-generation computer systems are used for tracking, then the system complexity is low, but real-time monitoring capability and data accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper-based tracking systems with electronic RFID tags and automated readers. The mechanical/manual process of physically tracking and recording part locations is substituted with electromagnetic field-based wireless communication, enabling automatic real-time monitoring without complex manual intervention while improving data accuracy and enabling remote tracking across distributed locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags automatically transmit their identification and location data without human intervention. The system performs self-monitoring and self-reporting, where the tags continuously communicate their status and location to the tracking system, eliminating the need for manual recording and improving both accuracy and real-time capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If manual inspection of tags is performed, then the device complexity is low, but time consumption and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and physical tracking with automated electronic reading of RFID tags. The mechanical process of manually locating, visually identifying, and recording tag information is substituted with automated electromagnetic field-based reading, dramatically reducing inspection time and eliminating human error while maintaining or reducing system complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where RFID tags automatically transmit their status and location data to the tracking system in real-time. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual inspection, provides continuous updates on part locations and status, and enables real-time monitoring without time loss or error accumulation.
3Reliability
If RFID tags are attached to components, then real-time tracking capability is improved, but the complexity of attaching and managing the tags increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RFID tag with a durable carrier assembly that includes mounting hardware and protection structures. This combination creates a single integrated unit that is easier to attach to components while ensuring the tag's reliability. The carrier assembly protects the tag from damage and ensures proper positioning, simplifying the attachment process while maintaining tracking reliability through the combined design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares pre-assembled carrier assemblies with RFID tags mounted and protected before deployment to the field. This preliminary action of pre-assembling and pre-testing the tag-carrier units simplifies the field attachment process, ensures proper tag positioning and protection, and reduces on-site complexity while maintaining tracking reliability through consistent pre-prepared configurations.
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
Facilitates accurate and efficient tracking of oil and gas equipment components by allowing automatic data collection and transmission, reducing downtime and improving maintenance planning through real-time monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that can be read by an RFID reader may be used
Implementation Method 2
the electronic chip comprises an NFC tag
Data Source
AI summary
A cable-tie carrier is disclosed herein that includes a chip holder with a recess cavity for holding an electronic chip and a cable that is removably attached to the chip holder. The electronic chip stores identification information or testing data that may be used to identify and track the part. External computing devices (e.g., smart phone, tablet, scanner) may access the stored identification information or testing data for a user. The electronic chip is fastened, magnetically attached, or stuck with adhesive to the chip holder to position a transmitter (or antenna) to face out of the recess cavity.