RFID Tag Filter Assembly Wireless Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID systems for fluid processing face challenges in efficiently monitoring fluid conditions and filter elements without disrupting the filtration process, particularly in maintaining signal integrity across air gaps and avoiding the need for complex cabling and hardware.
Innovation Solution
A fluid assembly with an integrated RFID tag and antenna system, allowing wireless signal transmission across an air gap, and a method for monitoring fluid processing using an RFID signal generator/controller, which includes a housing with a porous filter element, RFID tags on end caps, and coaxially arranged antennas for inductive coupling, enabling wireless communication without the need for direct connection or complex cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional RFID systems are used for monitoring fluid conditions, then monitoring capability is provided, but signal integrity deteriorates across air gaps and complex cabling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wired mechanical connections with wireless electromagnetic field communication. Two antennas are positioned in close proximity to create an inductive coupling that forms a wireless signal pathway, eliminating the need for physical cables and connectors while maintaining reliable signal transmission across the air gap between the filter element and housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer signals between the RFID tag on the filter element and the reader in the housing. The two antennas act as mediators that couple the electromagnetic fields across the air gap, enabling signal transmission without direct physical contact or complex cabling.
2Ease of operation
If wireless RFID monitoring is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but signal transmission reliability worsens across air gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized electromagnetic field environment by positioning two antennas in close proximity specifically at the air gap interface. This local concentration of electromagnetic energy ensures reliable signal coupling in the critical transmission zone without requiring system-wide changes, maintaining signal integrity while enabling wireless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional wired signal transmission to three-dimensional electromagnetic field coupling. By utilizing the spatial dimension and positioning antennas in close proximity, the system creates a volumetric electromagnetic coupling zone that enables reliable wireless signal transmission across the air gap, adding spatial flexibility to the signal transmission pathway.
3Reliability
If complex cabling systems are used for RFID signal transmission, then signal integrity is maintained, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical cabling systems by substituting them with wireless electromagnetic field communication. The two antennas create an inductive coupling that replaces physical signal pathways, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining signal integrity and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the cabling component from the RFID signal transmission system. By eliminating the need for physical cables, connectors, and associated mounting hardware, the system achieves signal transmission through wireless electromagnetic coupling alone, reducing both manufacturing and maintenance complexity.
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 allows for real-time monitoring of fluid conditions and filter elements without disrupting the filtration process, enhancing signal integrity and simplifying maintenance by eliminating the need for complex cabling and hardware, while enabling remote data access and automated alerts for filter replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the first antenna and the second antenna are inductively coupled, allowing a wireless signal to pass therebetween
Implementation Method 2
the housing is arranged to provide a fluid flow path through the filter, such that fluid is filtered as it passes through the porous filter element
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A filter assembly including an RFID tag, for use in monitoring fluid processing, as well as a system and a method for monitoring fluid processing, and a filter for use in the filter assembly, are disclosed.