RFID Sensor with Reed Switch for Passive Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID tags are primarily used for data reading and not capable of detecting environmental events, nor can they be turned on or off based on occurring events, limiting their functionality as sensors.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency (RF) based sensor system that incorporates a magnetic field-actuated sensing switch, allowing it to generate alerts on event occurrences without a power source, using a standard RFID module with a reed switch and antenna to transmit and receive RF signals, enabling tracking and monitoring in various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RFID tags are used for data reading, then data tracking is achieved, but event detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an RFID tag with a reed switch sensor to create a hybrid device that performs both data reading and event detection functions. The reed switch is integrated into the RFID tag structure, allowing the single device to serve dual purposes: storing identification data and sensing environmental events such as door openings or container access.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified RFID tag becomes a multi-functional device that can perform traditional identification tasks while simultaneously detecting environmental events. The reed switch adds sensing capability to the conventional read-only RFID tag, enabling it to trigger alerts or change state based on detected events while maintaining its original data storage and transmission functions.
2Device complexity
If RFID tags are made passive to eliminate power sources, then device complexity is reduced, but event detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The passive RFID tag with reed switch operates without an internal power source by harvesting energy from the reader's electromagnetic field. The reed switch is a passive magnetic field-actuated component that opens or closes its circuit based on the presence of a magnet, requiring no power supply while still enabling event detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The reed switch acts as an intermediary component that translates physical events (such as door opening or container access) into electrical state changes that the passive RFID tag can detect and communicate. This intermediary mechanism enables event detection without requiring active power consumption from the RFID tag itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags are made active with power sources for enhanced functionality, then event detection capability is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive RFID tag with reed switch operates without an internal power source by harvesting energy from the reader's electromagnetic field. The reed switch is a passive magnetic field-actuated component that opens or closes its circuit based on the presence of a magnet, requiring no power supply while still enabling event detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive RFID tag communicates with the reader through periodic electromagnetic field interactions. Energy is harvested during these periodic communication cycles, allowing the tag to maintain its identification functions and trigger event detection without requiring continuous power consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If sensing switches are added to RFID tags for event detection, then event tracking is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an RFID tag with a reed switch sensor to create a hybrid device that performs both data reading and event detection functions. The reed switch is integrated into the RFID tag structure, allowing the single device to serve dual purposes: storing identification data and sensing environmental events such as door openings or container access.
Solution Approach 2:
The reed switch changes its electrical state (open or closed) in response to magnetic field changes caused by physical events. This parameter change directly modulates the RFID tag's communication state, enabling event detection through simple binary state transitions rather than complex sensing mechanisms.
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 event tracking and alert generation in IoT, security, and power identification systems without the need for a power source, providing efficient and versatile event detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A radio frequency (RF) based sensor system that incorporates a magnetic field-actuated sensing switch
Implementation Method 2
RFID is the wireless use of electromagnetic fields to transfer data, for the purposes of automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to objects
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a sensor in which the sensing capability is made possible without need for having an independent power source of the sensor. The sensor can include a standard RFID tag, a reed switch, and an antenna. The reed switch can be closed (or opened, as appropriate) when exposed to a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be provided in various ways, e.g., an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, or an electromagnetic field (e.g., inductors wrapped around a power cord). When the reed switch is closed or opened (upon exposure to the magnetic field), the RFID tag's antenna can respond (or fail to respond, as appropriate) to a transmission signal it receives from a base station by sending a “heartbeat” signal that enables sensing in a variety of IoT applications. The sensor can be used for detecting an opening or a closing of a window.