RFID-Coated Thermoplastic Pipe for Buried Identification and Damage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoplastic pipe systems for underground identification lack efficient and non-destructive methods to locate and identify pipes without exposing them, as current RFID and sensor technologies are either visible, not integrated effectively, or not suitable for continuous monitoring of pipe integrity.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic pipe system with an RFID system integrated into the outer layer, using a conductive material loop and RFID labels that are not visible from the outside, allowing for wireless identification and damage detection by measuring the resistance of the loop circuit, enabling non-destructive location and identification of pipes buried underground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID labels are placed on the external surface of the pipe for identification, then the pipe can be identified and located, but the RFID labels become visible and require the pipe to be exposed or dug up for reading
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID label is nested within the pipe wall structure, specifically placed in a cavity or recess of the outer layer. This allows the RFID system to be embedded inside the pipe rather than attached on the external surface, making it invisible from outside while remaining accessible for wireless reading through the pipe material.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe wall material itself acts as an intermediary medium that allows electromagnetic signals to pass through. The RFID label is positioned within the pipe structure, and the pipe material enables wireless communication without requiring physical exposure of the label, thus mediating between the hidden RFID system and the external reading device.
2Reliability
If sensors are integrated into the pipe layers for monitoring, then continuous monitoring of pipe integrity is enabled, but the complexity of the pipe structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID label serves multiple functions: it provides wireless identification of the pipe, enables location tracking, and can detect pipe damage through changes in its electromagnetic characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensor systems, thereby maintaining reliability while limiting the increase in structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification and monitoring functions are merged into a single RFID system integrated within the pipe structure. Rather than adding separate sensors for identification and monitoring, the RFID label performs both functions, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving continuous monitoring capability.
3Ease of operation
If the RFID system is made visible on the pipe surface for easy reading, then identification is simplified, but the pipe requires exposure or digging which is destructive
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical approach of exposing the pipe to read the RFID label is replaced with electromagnetic field-based wireless reading. The RFID system operates using electromagnetic signals that can penetrate the pipe material, eliminating the need for physical exposure or digging while maintaining ease of identification and location.
4Strength
If the pipe is made of composite materials with multiple layers for structural integrity, then strength is improved, but the RFID label becomes visible or requires complex integration
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire pipe structure complex to accommodate the RFID system, the RFID label is integrated into a specific local feature of the pipe - a cavity or recess in the outer layer. This localized integration approach maintains the overall structural integrity of the composite pipe while simplifying RFID system incorporation.
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
Enables efficient, non-destructive wireless identification and damage detection of thermoplastic pipes using RFID labels embedded within the pipe's outer layer, ensuring the system remains undamaged during bending or coiling and can be read using a smartphone application without exposing the pipe.
Implementation Method 1
a RFID system comprising a RFID label, for the purpose of, e.g., detecting the pipeline in the ground
Implementation Method 2
damage detection by measuring the resistance of the loop circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
A thermoplastic pipe having at least one RFID system which includes an RFID label that includes an electronic circuit connected to an antenna circuit, characterized in that the RFID system (4) is attached to the outer side of the top layer of the pipe (1) and coated on the outside with a thermoplastic material selected from the group including polyethylene, polypropylene and polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride PVC forming a coating (2), wherein the RFID system (4) is entirely outside the outer outline of the top layer of the pipe (1).