RFID Differential Pressure Sensor with Tamper Loop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing differential pressure measurement systems require visual inspection, separate installation, and additional wiring, making them cumbersome and inefficient for monitoring filter saturation and other pressure differential applications.
Innovation Solution
A differential pressure sensor with a built-in RFID tag that uses a tamper loop to detect and communicate a predefined pressure threshold wirelessly, eliminating the need for a local energy source and direct access, and allowing the sensor to be integrated into the filter or application itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical filter minder is used for differential pressure measurement, then the pressure differential can be tracked, but visual inspection is required and additional installation work is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filter minder system with an electronic differential pressure sensor that includes an integrated RFID tag. The sensor electronically detects pressure differential and the RFID tag wirelessly transmits data, eliminating the need for mechanical components and visual inspection of mechanical indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag acts as an intermediary between the differential pressure sensor and the external reading device. It wirelessly transmits pressure threshold crossing information without requiring direct physical access to the sensor or visual inspection, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable tracking and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If an engine MAP sensor is used for filter differential pressure measurement, then pressure data can be obtained, but additional electronics and wiring are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the differential pressure sensor, RFID tag, and power source into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate electronics and wiring connections to a central MAP sensor system, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable pressure data measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor-RFID unit serves multiple functions: it measures differential pressure, stores threshold information, detects when thresholds are crossed, and wirelessly transmits data. This multi-functionality replaces the need for dedicated MAP sensors and separate processing electronics.
3Reliability
If a wired differential pressure sensor is used, then continuous monitoring is possible, but installation requires additional wiring and access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical connection system with wireless RFID communication. The sensor continuously monitors pressure differential and the RFID tag transmits threshold crossing events wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wiring and complex installation while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
4Ease of operation
If a sensor with local energy source is used for wireless communication, then autonomous operation is achieved, but energy source requirements complicate the design
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system harvests energy from the differential pressure itself to power the RFID tag. The pressure differential that the sensor measures is also used to generate electrical energy through a piezoelectric element, allowing the RFID tag to operate autonomously without an external power source or battery.
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 communication of pressure threshold crossings without energy source requirements, simplifying installation and operation, and allowing for multiple uses without reset, while maintaining airtight separation of gas volumes.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element for generating electrical energy from the differential pressure
Implementation Method 2
the RFID tag uses an integrated circuit (IC) that has a so-called tamper loop feature
Data Source
AI summary
A differential pressure sensor with wireless RFID communication ability senses and records a specified differential pressure threshold without great energy consumption and without requiring direct access or visual inspection of the sensing element. The differential pressure sensor includes a sensing element sensing a differential pressure between a low pressure side and a high pressure side and a RFID tag comprising a tag antenna, a tag integrated circuit (IC) and a tamper loop connected to the tag IC for tracking a specific differential pressure threshold of the differential pressure sensor. The RFID tag is connected to the sensing element in such a way that the tamper loop is triggered if the specific differential pressure threshold has been reached.