RFID Mirror Antenna Integration Without Blocking Driver Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID transponders are obtrusive and interfere with the aesthetic and line-of-sight of vehicles, necessitating a more integrated solution for vehicle identification systems.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an RFID chip with a booster antenna into a vehicle mirror, where the reflective layer is modified through selective demetallization or metallization to form the antenna, and a dielectric coating is applied to maintain reflective properties, allowing for seamless communication with RFID systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional RFID transponder is mounted on the vehicle's windshield or dashboard, then the RFID transponder can communicate with RFID readers to provide vehicle identification data, but the RFID transponder obstructs the driver's line-of-sight and interferes with the aesthetic of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RFID transponder with the vehicle mirror assembly, integrating the antenna and RFID chip into the mirror structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate transponder mounting on the windshield or dashboard, thereby removing the obstruction to the driver's line-of-sight while preserving RFID communication functionality for vehicle identification.
2Reliability
If the reflective layer of the mirror is modified to form a booster antenna, then the RFID communication capability is enhanced, but the reflective properties of the mirror may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a selective opening or aperture in the reflective layer at the specific location where the booster antenna is to be formed. This localized modification allows the reflective layer to maintain its integrity and reflective properties in all areas except the small region needed for the antenna, thus minimizing the impact on overall mirror reflectivity while enabling enhanced RFID communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the reflective layer with a dielectric coating applied over the opening where the booster antenna is formed. This composite structure allows the antenna to be integrated into the mirror assembly while the dielectric coating helps maintain the optical properties and protective function of the mirror surface.
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
The RFID-enabled mirror provides a non-obtrusive means of vehicle identification, enabling communication with various frequency bands and supporting multiple RFID systems, while maintaining the mirror's reflective functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a booster antenna is formed by selectively removing a portion of the reflective layer
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric coating is applied to the mirror where the reflective layer was removed
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled mirror includes a mirror comprising a reflective layer. The reflective layer comprises at least one layer of a metallic material. At least one portion of the reflective layer is removed to form a booster antenna from a remaining portion of the reflective layer. A dielectric coating is applied to the mirror where the reflective layer was removed. The RFID-enabled mirror further includes an RFID chip coupled to the booster antenna.