RFID Fiber Optic Connectors with Condition-Responsive Intermediaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID systems for fiber optic connections face challenges in accurately identifying and mapping components due to proximity issues, leading to inaccurate readings and increased complexity in managing large numbers of cables and connections, especially in complex networks.
Innovation Solution
Integration of RFID-equipped fiber optic components with electrical circuits and antennas that allow for wireless communication and wired communication through printed circuit boards, enabling reliable identification and mapping of connections without altering the connection type, and maintaining backwards compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID transponders are attached to plugs and sockets for identification, then identification capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to proximity issues causing inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces condition responsive devices as intermediaries between the RFID transponders and the reading system. These devices detect connection conditions (such as whether a plug is properly mated to a socket) and control the activation or visibility of RFID transponders. This intermediary layer ensures that only transponders representing actual functional connections are read, eliminating false positives from nearby but unconnected transponders and thus resolving the measurement precision issue while preserving identification capability.
2Loss of information
If RFID systems are used to identify connections, then identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. RFID transponders are integrated directly into fiber optic connectors and adapters, eliminating the need for separate tagging systems. Condition responsive devices are incorporated within the same housing as the RFID components. This merging approach maintains identification capability while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating multiple separate components into unified integrated units.
3Loss of time
If RFID transponders are placed near sockets for detection, then identification speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to false readings from nearby items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where condition responsive devices continuously monitor connection status and provide feedback signals to control RFID transponder activation. When a plug is properly connected to a socket, the condition responsive device detects this state and activates the corresponding RFID transponder for reading. When no connection exists, the transponder remains inactive or invisible to readers. This feedback control maintains fast identification speed by keeping transponders ready while ensuring reliability by only enabling them when actual connections are present.
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
This solution provides simple, reliable, and unobtrusive identification and mapping of fiber optic component connections, reducing errors and simplifying the process of identifying and troubleshooting issues in complex networks.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna is coupled to the electrical circuit to receive RF signals
Data Source
AI summary
Radio frequency identification (RFID)-equipped communication components are disclosed. The communication components can include fiber optic components, such as fiber optic connectors and fiber optic adapters as examples. An RFID-equipped circuit is provided in the communication components to communicate information. In order that the electrical circuit be provided in the communication component without altering the communication component connection type, the circuit may be disposed in at least one recessed area of the communication component housing. In this manner, the communication component maintains its connection type such that it is compatible with a complementary communication component connection type for backwards compatibility while also being RFID-equipped. The circuit may also be provided in a substrate containing one or more electrical contacts coupled to the circuit such that a wired coupling is established with one or more electrical contacts provided in another communication component when connected.