RFID Housing with Interlocking Plates for Secure Keg Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to securely attach a radio frequency identification (RFID) device to objects like beer kegs that can withstand physical and environmental wear and tear while maintaining effective read range and operability.

Innovation Solution

A housing device with a base having slots for locking plates, which include flanges and protrusions to engage with the object, securing the RFID device and preventing removal, with the option to weld the flanges to the object for added security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the RFID device is attached to the object using a simple mounting method, then the ease of manufacture and installation is improved, but the reliability and resistance to physical damage deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidresistance to physical damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device is divided into multiple functional segments: a base component that interfaces with the object surface, a housing that protects the RFID device, and a locking mechanism with movable locking elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining ease of assembly through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID device is nested within the protective housing, which is in turn mounted on the base through the locking mechanism. This nested structure provides multiple layers of protection and security while maintaining a compact overall form factor that is easy to install on the target object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the RFID device is securely locked to the object, then the resistance to removal and reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to removalVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through spring-loaded locking elements that automatically engage with corresponding features on the base. The springs provide continuous force to maintain the locked state without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, achieving high security with relatively simple mechanics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the housing provides comprehensive protection for the RFID device, then the resistance to environmental wear and tear is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from environmental wearVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed as a thin-walled enclosure that provides environmental protection through its sealed structure rather than through thick, heavy materials. This approach achieves adequate protection against moisture and physical damage while keeping the housing lightweight and easy to manufacture using standard molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3612987B1Housing for identification device
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • EP3612987B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3612987B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3612987B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for holding a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and securing the RFID device to another object, particularly an object having a curved or irregular shaped surface. The device includes multiple locking plates that interleave or overlap within slots formed in the base of a container holding an RFID device. One of more locking members integral with the locking plates assist in securing one locking plate to another and resist separating the locking plates once installed. Flanges or extensions extend outside of the base and provide structure to secure the device to an object to be identified.