RFID-Integrated MEMS Sensor for Passive Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors lack the capability to accurately and reliably monitor and track conditions such as temperature, pressure, and deformation over small scales and in low-power, passive configurations, especially for applications like pharmaceuticals and food products that require controlled environments.
Innovation Solution
The integration of RFID components with Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NEMS) allows for the detection and storage of measurements, using bi-material strips and mechanical couplings to translate physical changes into readable data, which can be accessed through RFID scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If sensors are made small-scale and passive to reduce power consumption, then energy usage is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RFID technology with MEMS/NEMS sensors to create an integrated system where the RFID tag serves both as identification and as a storage medium for measurement data, eliminating the need for separate power-consuming memory components in the sensor itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a passive mechanical storage system as an intermediary between the MEMS/NEMS sensor and the RFID tag, where physical displacement of the measurement component mechanically transfers data to the RFID tag without requiring active power consumption for data storage
2Volume of moving object
If sensors are miniaturized to small-scale, then device size is reduced, but reliability and accuracy of monitoring deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the measurement component within the MEMS/NEMS structure, which is itself integrated with the RFID tag, creating a compact hierarchical arrangement that maintains full functionality while minimizing overall sensor size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic data storage and processing mechanisms with a mechanical displacement system that physically transfers measurement data to the RFID tag, eliminating the need for complex electronic memory and processing circuits in the miniaturized sensor
3Use of energy by moving object
If passive mechanical storage is used to store measurement data, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active power-consuming elements (memory, processing units) from the sensor system and replaces them with a passive mechanical storage mechanism that uses physical displacement to transfer data to the RFID tag
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 enables accurate, consistent, and reliable monitoring and tracking of conditions in small-scale, low-power sensors, ensuring that products like pharmaceuticals and food products are kept within acceptable temperature ranges during transportation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The bi-material strip is formed at least from first and second strips of material having different coefficients of thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor configured to detect and record measured conditions, such as temperature, pressure, volume, displacement, acceleration, and/or other measureable conditions. The sensor may incorporate radio frequency identification (RFID) components. The sensor may also incorporate micro-electro-mechanical devices and/or systems (MEMS) and/or nano-electro-mechanical devices and/or systems (NEMS) that are configured to change in response to certain conditions encountered by the MEMS/NEMS and provide indications of the same. The sensor may include a detector configured to detect the changes in the MEMS/NEMS. The detected changes may be stored by the MEMS and/or the NEMS and/or the RFID components, allowing information about the changes to be retrieved through a RFID reading and/or scanning process. The sensor may be used to monitor and/or track conditions associated with certain objects and/or environments, among other uses.