RFID Sensor Grommet for Building Envelope Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting leaks and structural damage in complex building envelopes require high effort and are inefficient, especially in large industrial roofs where thick insulation layers can absorb water, making late detection of leaks common.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an RFID transponder and sensor system within a fastening element, such as a grommet, allowing for defined installation in the roof structure without additional processing steps, utilizing existing fastening points and simplifying planning and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate RFID sensors are installed below or between building envelope layers, then leak detection capability is improved, but installation complexity and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RFID sensor, transponder, and antenna into an integrated fastening element that is installed together with the building envelope fasteners. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor installation steps and reduces installation complexity while maintaining leak detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical fastening of the building envelope and leak detection via RFID sensing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall installation process.
2Measurement precision
If separate RFID sensors are installed to ensure defined installation position and depth, then measurement comparability is improved, but installation effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the RFID sensor into the fastening element itself, the sensor is automatically positioned at a defined depth and location relative to the building envelope layers during the fastening process. This eliminates the need for separate positioning steps and reduces installation time while ensuring measurement comparability.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensor installation steps are performed, then sensor accessibility and measurement accuracy are improved, but risk of additional damage to insulation layers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element performs both mechanical fastening and sensor measurement functions through a single installation action. This eliminates additional access points and penetration steps that would otherwise be required for separate sensor installation, thereby reducing the risk of damage to insulation layers while maintaining sensor accessibility for accurate measurements.
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 and redundant measurement points without additional planning effort, ensuring accurate and comparable data collection across large roof areas by using existing fastening systems and reducing the risk of additional damage to insulation layers.
Implementation Method 1
RFID (radio-frequency identification) systems employ a semiconductor component called a transponder, which includes an antenna and a compatible reader. Such RFID systems offer the advantage that the antenna not only identifies the transponder but also provides power via alternating magnetic fields or high-frequency radio pulses (induction).
Data Source
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AI summary
A grommet (20, 30) as part of a fastening element for a building envelope essentially comprises a head (21), a tip (22), and a sleeve (23) between them, wherein the head (21) is essentially designed as a large-area washer (24) to whose central hole the tubular sleeve (23) is connected. The tip (22) tapers to a smaller diameter in an essentially conical or conical shape. The grommet (20, 30) has a sensor arrangement (25) with at least one RFID transponder with antenna and a sensor functionally connected to the transponder.