Systems and methods for RFID-enabled pressure sensing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID technologies face challenges in tracking and managing small items like pills or grains, where attaching individual RFID sensors is impractical, and in sensing material levels or pressures in various environments, due to limitations in signal strength and interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of RFID-enabled systems that include an enclosure, collector, interrogator, and RFID field sensors, which generate and respond to electromagnetic fields, allowing for the measurement of signal strength indications (RSSI) to determine influences such as item positions or pressures, using parallel plate waveguides, conductive layers, and pressure-sensitive gloves and keypads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual RFID sensors are attached to small items like pills or grains, then tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single RFID sensor to detect multiple small items by sensing their collective presence and position in a container, rather than attaching individual sensors to each item. This copying approach allows one sensor to monitor many items, reducing system complexity while maintaining tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the presence, position, and quantity of multiple small items simultaneously, as well as monitoring material levels and pressures. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for each tracking task
2Measurement precision
If RFID sensors are used to sense material levels or pressures, then measurement capability is improved, but signal strength and interference become limiting factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an enclosure with conductive walls that acts as an intermediary to contain and direct electromagnetic fields. This enclosure enhances signal strength between the RFID sensor and items, reducing interference from external sources while improving measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies electromagnetic field parameters by using specific frequency ranges and adjusting field distribution within the enclosure. This optimization enhances signal penetration and detection capability while minimizing interference effects
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 accurate tracking and management of small items, monitoring of material levels, and pressure sensing without the need for direct sensor attachment, improving resolution and safety while reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The interrogator is configured to transmit an incident signal to the collector, causing the collector to generate an electromagnetic field within the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
One or more of the RFID sensors respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting, via the collector, a reflected signal to the interrogator
Implementation Method 3
The interrogator is configured to receive the reflected signals, measure one or more returned signal strength indications ('RSSI') of the reflected signals
Implementation Method 4
The implementation of RFID-enabled systems that include an enclosure, collector, interrogator, and RFID field sensors, which generate and respond to electromagnetic fields, allowing for the measurement of signal strength indications (RSSI) to determine influences such as item positions or pressures, using parallel plate waveguides, conductive layers
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses and systems for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection are disclosed, including an enclosure, a collector coupled to the enclosure, an interrogator, a processor, and one or more RFID field sensors, each having an individual identification, disposed within the enclosure. In operation, the interrogator transmits an incident signal to the collector, causing the collector to generate an electromagnetic field within the enclosure. The electromagnetic field is affected by one or more influences. RFID sensors respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting reflected signals containing the individual identifications of the responding RFID sensors to the interrogator. The interrogator receives the reflected signals, measures one or more returned signal strength indications (“RSSI”) of the reflected signals and sends the RSSI measurements and identification of the responding RFID sensors to the processor to determine one or more facts about the influences. Other embodiments are also described.