RFID Ring Sensor for Position and Inventory Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID sensor systems face challenges in efficiently collecting position information and monitoring inventory in dynamic environments, such as product dispensers, due to limitations in accurately sensing distance, proximity, strain, weight, pressure, mass, and orientation using existing RFID technologies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system comprising ring-shaped elements with electrically-conductive rings and integrated RFID circuits, coupled with antennas that support electric current and generate electromagnetic energy, allowing for data transmission and position determination through an interrogator and processor, enabling precise monitoring and inventory tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional RFID systems are used for inventory monitoring, then basic identification is achieved, but position information and precise condition sensing are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RFID integrated circuits with ring-shaped sensing elements into a unified sensor system. The ring-shaped element serves dual purposes: as an RFID antenna for identification and as a sensing element for detecting position, strain, weight, pressure, mass, and orientation. This merging allows the system to simultaneously achieve basic RFID identification and precise condition sensing without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring-shaped element is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as an RFID antenna for communication, a strain gauge for mechanical deformation detection, and a mass sensing element. The single structure enables the system to universally handle various sensing requirements (position, weight, pressure, orientation) alongside RFID identification, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors.
2Measurement precision
If ring-shaped elements with RFID circuits are used, then position and condition sensing is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID integrated circuit and ring-shaped sensing element are combined into a single compact unit. The ring-shaped element serves as both the RFID antenna and the sensing element, eliminating the need for separate antennas and sensors. This integration reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring-shaped element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple sensing functions (strain, mass, pressure, orientation) and RFID communication simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while achieving precise condition detection.
3Loss of information
If electromagnetic energy is transmitted for RFID communication, then data transmission is achieved, but energy loss and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the electrical parameters of the ring-shaped element, including its inductance, capacitance, and resonant frequency, to match the RFID system operating conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves better impedance matching and resonance, improving energy transfer efficiency and reducing electromagnetic energy loss during data transmission while maintaining reliable communication.
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
This solution enables accurate and efficient collection of position information and inventory monitoring by optimizing energy transfer and impedance matching between the ring-shaped elements and antennas, enhancing the detection of unique identities and sensed conditions, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of RFID-enabled information collection systems.
Implementation Method 1
An interrogator transmits a signal to the antenna wherein electric current is generated along its electrically-conductive path and electromagnetic energy emanates from the antenna
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the ring-shaped elements and the RFID integrated circuit associated therewith is energized by the electromagnetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system and sensor provides for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection. The system includes a ring-shaped element and an antenna. The ring-shaped element includes a conductive ring and an RFID integrated circuit. The antenna is spaced apart from the ring-shaped element and defines an electrically-conductive path commensurate in size and shape to at least a portion of the conductive ring. In an alternate embodiment, the sensor system further comprises a reference ring-shaped element in a fixed relationship with respect to the antenna, with the reference ring-shaped element defining another series circuit to include an electrically-conductive reference ring and a reference RFID integrated circuit. The system may include an interrogator for energizing the ring-shaped element and receiving a data transmission from the RFID integrated circuit that has been energized for further processing by a processor.