Passive RFID Pressure Sensing Using Deformable Antenna Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring pressure in deformable containers require direct access or internal sensors, which are often costly, mechanically complex, and prone to failure, especially for passive sensors used in tires and similar applications.
Innovation Solution
A system employing passive RFID tags with resonant radiofrequency antenna elements, where one element is fixed and the other is deformable, allowing for remote pressure measurement using radar imaging to determine the spatial location and calculate pressure based on the deformation of the deformable element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If passive RFID tags with multiple parts and mechanical components are used for pressure measurement, then battery-free operation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure sensing function and RFID communication function into a single integrated tag structure. The deformable element with antenna elements serves both as the pressure sensor and as part of the RFID system, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining battery-free operation
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a communication device (RFID tag) and a pressure sensor simultaneously. The deformable element with antenna elements provides both mechanical deformation for pressure sensing and electromagnetic resonance for RFID communication, achieving multi-functionality without increasing complexity
2Measurement precision
If direct access to container or internal pressure sensitive elements are used, then accurate pressure measurement is achieved, but ease of operation and installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical direct access methods with electromagnetic field-based measurement. The radar system uses electromagnetic waves to remotely detect the spatial location of antenna elements on the RFID tag, eliminating the need for physical direct access to the container while maintaining measurement accuracy through non-contact electromagnetic sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag with deformable antenna elements serves as an intermediary between the pressure environment and the remote radar system. The tag captures pressure information through antenna deformation and relays it to the external radar system via electromagnetic communication, enabling indirect yet accurate pressure measurement without direct access requirements
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 low-cost, low-weight, and maintenance-free remote pressure measurement in containers like tires, providing accurate and reliable live monitoring without the need for direct access or battery-powered sensors.
Implementation Method 1
determine a spatial location of first and second resonant radiofrequency antenna elements located on a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag
Implementation Method 2
re-radiated radiofrequency beams from the first and second resonant radiofrequency antenna elements resulting from the transmission of a radiofrequency beam
Implementation Method 3
a deformable element configured to be deformed in at least one dimension based on pressure from the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method for remotely measuring pressure of a fluid in a container includes determining a spatial location of first and second resonant radiofrequency antenna elements located on a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag located in the container. The first antenna element is positioned in a fixed position on the RFID tag and the second antenna element is positioned on a deformable element configured to be deformed in at least one dimension based on pressure from the fluid. The spatial location is determined from a radar image generated based on reflected radiofrequency beams from a scan area and re-radiated radiofrequency beams from the first and second antenna elements located within the scan area. A pressure value is determined for the fluid based on the spatial location of the first and second antenna elements. Systems and methods of remotely measuring pressure using passive RFID tags are also disclosed.