RFID-Enabled Conduit Sensing Without Power or Signal Wires

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Solution Overview

Problem

In fluid handling and automotive applications, there is a need to monitor physical properties of fluids within conduits without the convenience of power or signal wires, especially in inaccessible locations, where traditional sensors are impractical due to the need for electrical contact.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a passive RFID-enabled sensor that harnesses electromagnetic energy from an RFID reader to power a sensor within the conduit, allowing real-time measurement of physical properties like temperature, pressure, and leaks, which are then transmitted wirelessly using an RFID communication protocol.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional sensors with power and signal wires are used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to the need for electrical conductors in inaccessible locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical property measurementVSAvoidelectrical conductor routing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with an electromagnetic field-based RFID system. The RFID tag and sensor are powered wirelessly through electromagnetic coupling with the RFID reader, eliminating the need for physical electrical conductors to reach inaccessible sensor locations while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID system introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary energy transmission medium. Instead of direct electrical contact through wires, the RFID reader generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the RFID tag antenna, serving as a mediator to transfer power and data to the sensor in inaccessible locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are installed in inaccessible locations within conduit structures, then measurement coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in routing power and signal wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor placement flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical constraint of wire routing by substituting it with wireless electromagnetic power and data transmission. The RFID system allows the sensor to be placed anywhere within the electromagnetic field range of the reader without requiring physical access for wire installation or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag and sensor assembly is a self-contained unit that harvests its own operating power from the RFID reader's electromagnetic field. This self-powered design eliminates the need for external power wiring, allowing the sensor to serve itself and be installed in locations that would otherwise be inaccessible due to wiring constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If passive RFID tags are used to power sensors wirelessly, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating power sources and conductors, but use of energy by stationary object increases due to continuous electromagnetic field requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless power-free monitoringVSAvoidelectromagnetic energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID system operates on a periodic interrogation basis rather than continuous power transmission. The RFID reader periodically activates the electromagnetic field to power the RFID tag and retrieve sensor data, then deactivates it. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous field maintenance while still enabling wireless sensor operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 wireless, power-free monitoring of fluid properties within conduits, providing real-time data without the need for on-board power sources or electrical conductors, enhancing accessibility and reducing installation complexity.

Implementation Method 1

An RFID tag receives a signal from the RFID reader and converts the signal to electrical energy to power the RFID tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11625567B2Conduit with radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled sensor

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 COOPER STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC

AI summary

A system for sensing a physical property of a medium inside a conduit includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader arranged to transmit electromagnetic signals in at least one radio frequency. An RFID tag receives the least one radio frequency and exchanges the received radio frequency to electrical energy powering the RFID tag. An included sensor electrically connected to the RFID tag receives the electrical energy from the RFID tag and powers the sensor to obtain measurement data of at least one physical property of the medium and transmit the measurement data to the RFID tag. The RFID tag transmits the measurement data to the RFID reader using the at least one radio frequency.