RFID Operating Nut Identification for Buried Valve Asset Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying and tracking devices such as hydrants and valves in fluid distribution systems is challenging due to their design and harsh operating conditions, which hinder on-site identification, tracking, and documentation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a digital identification tag, specifically a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, into the operating nut of devices, allowing for engagement with a tool equipped with an RFID tag reader to retrieve and transmit device data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical identification methods or separately affixed labels are used on devices, then device identification is possible, but the identification can wear or become obscured during use
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is embedded within the operating nut itself, nesting the identification technology inside the device component. This ensures the identification system is protected by the nut's structure and cannot wear or become obscured like external labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical identification methods (labels, serial numbers) with electromagnetic RFID technology. This substitution eliminates wear and obscuration issues by using contactless electromagnetic fields for data storage and retrieval.
2Reliability
If devices are buried in deep pits or placed in harsh conditions, then device functionality is maintained, but direct physical inspection and identification become inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical inspection requirements with wireless RFID communication. The reader can retrieve device information remotely without requiring physical access to the device, enabling inspection of buried or hard-to-reach equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag acts as an intermediary that stores and transmits device information wirelessly. This intermediary enables data access without direct physical contact, allowing inspection of devices in inaccessible locations through electromagnetic field communication.
3Device complexity
If no unique information is stored on devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but tracking and documentation capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical information storage (labels, plates) with electromagnetic RFID tags. This allows substantial information capacity while maintaining external device simplicity, as the RFID tag is compact and integrated into the operating nut.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of information storage from external physical media to internal electromagnetic fields. This parameter change enables high information density and durability while keeping the device structure simple and unchanged from traditional designs.
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
Facilitates efficient order management, field service, and asset tracking by providing automatic data access and transmission, enhancing the ability to confirm maintenance needs and record operational history.
Implementation Method 1
the tool comprising a digital identification tag reader; placing the digital identification tag reader within a read range of the digital identification tag, and reading the digital identification tag with the digital identification tag reader
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using an operating nut includes engaging a tool with the operating nut of a device, the operating nut including a digital identification tag and the tool including a digital identification tag reader, placing the digital identification tag reader within a read range of the digital identification tag, and reading the digital identification tag with the digital identification tag reader to receive data of the device.