RFID-Powered Capacitor for Electronic Sign Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic sign labels rely on batteries that quickly lose power when updated frequently, requiring manual replacement and lacking long-lasting battery life, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable electronic sign label system utilizing a capacitor, such as a supercapacitor, electrically coupled with an RFID tag that includes an antenna for energy collection and a memory for data storage, allowing for wireless charging via RFID readers when the capacitor's charge falls below a threshold, enabling dynamic updates of displayed information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used to power electronic sign labels, then the display can be updated dynamically, but the battery life is short and requires frequent manual replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic sign label system performs self-charging through RFID readers that wirelessly transfer energy to the capacitor, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement. The system autonomously monitors capacitor charge levels and requests charging when needed, making the power maintenance process self-service rather than requiring human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery replacement process with a wireless electromagnetic energy transfer system using RFID technology. Instead of physically removing and replacing batteries, the system uses RFID readers to wirelessly charge the capacitor, substituting a mechanical operation with an electromagnetic field-based solution.
2Productivity
If frequent updates are made to the electronic display, then the information remains current, but the battery power is depleted quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by implementing an automatic charging cycle through RFID readers. When the capacitor charge drops below a threshold during frequent updates, the RFID tag requests charging and the RFID reader provides continuous energy transfer until the capacitor is recharged, ensuring uninterrupted display updates without power depletion concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter from traditional batteries to capacitors that can be rapidly recharged. This parameter change allows the system to tolerate frequent discharge cycles during high-frequency updates, as capacitors can accept charge much faster than batteries, enabling sustained high-productivity operation.
3Reliability
If manual battery replacement is implemented, then power supply can be maintained, but labor costs and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors capacitor charge levels and initiates charging requests through RFID communication when power levels drop. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous power supply without requiring human intervention for battery replacement, eliminating both labor costs and time loss associated with manual maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag continuously monitors capacitor charge levels and provides feedback to the system. When the charge drops below a predetermined threshold, the tag sends a request for charging to the RFID reader, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically maintains power supply reliability without human intervention.
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 system provides a long-lasting power solution for electronic sign labels, reducing the need for manual battery replacements and enabling frequent, error-free updates of information, such as prices, by using capacitors that can be rapidly charged and tolerate many cycles, ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID tag includes at least one antenna to collect energy
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for using a rechargeable electronic sign label. Exemplary embodiments include an electronic sign label electrically coupled to a capacitor and an RFID tag. One or more RFID readers are in communication with the RFID tag. The RFID tag is configured to determine when the charge of the capacitor is below a threshold value, and in response transmit a message to the RFID readers. At least one RFID reader transmits a signal to the RFID tag that includes an instructions to charge the capacitor. An antenna of the RFID tag may be electrically coupled to the capacitor to allow the capacitor to charge based on the energy collected by the RFID tag antenna.