RFID Sensor Assembly with Optical Sensing Material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RFID tags lack the capability to effectively detect environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, and chemical agents using optical sensing methods, as they rely solely on radio frequency communication and do not integrate optical sensing technologies.

Innovation Solution

An RFID sensor system comprising an RFID chip, an antenna, and a sensing material configured as a variable light filter, where a light source illuminates the sensing material to detect environmental conditions by altering its optical properties, allowing the RFID chip to encode and communicate changes in environmental parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional RFID tags are used for environmental sensing, then radio frequency communication capability is maintained, but optical sensing capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines RFID technology with optical sensing by integrating a sensing material layer over the RFID chip. The sensing material changes optical properties in response to environmental conditions, and the RFID chip detects these changes through light interaction, merging communication and sensing functions into a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID chip is configured to serve multiple functions: traditional radio frequency communication and optical sensing. By detecting changes in light behavior caused by environmental conditions affecting the sensing material, the same chip performs both communication and environmental monitoring roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If sensing material is integrated with RFID chip for optical sensing, then environmental detection capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental condition detectionVSAvoidintegration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is structured in distinct layers: the RFID chip at the base and the sensing material layer on top. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately before integration, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining sensing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining the RFID chip substrate with a sensing material layer. This composite approach allows the sensing material to provide environmental detection capabilities while the RFID chip provides both communication and detection functions, achieving enhanced precision through material combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If a light source is added to illuminate the sensing material, then optical sensing functionality is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical sensing functionVSAvoidcomponent quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID chip is configured to perform both its traditional communication function and the additional function of detecting optical changes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated optical detection components, reducing overall device complexity while enabling optical sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID chip itself serves the dual purpose of communication and optical detection. Instead of requiring a separate detector, the chip detects light behavior changes directly, allowing the system to use its own existing component for the additional sensing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the detection of environmental conditions like humidity, temperature, and chemical agents by using the RFID chip's response to light, enhancing the sensor's ability to monitor and communicate environmental data effectively.

Implementation Method 1

The sensing material overlies an upper surface of the RFID chip and is configured as a variable light filter that filters light differently depending upon certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

A light source is configured to selectively illuminate the sensing material to facilitate detection of certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption and transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10416073B2Radio frequency identification sensor assembly

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES LLC

AI summary

An RFID sensor comprises an RFID chip, an antenna, and sensing material. The RFID chip is in electrical communication with the antenna and comprises an optical sensor. The sensing material overlies an upper surface of the RFID chip and is configured as a variable light filter that filters light differently depending upon certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor. A light source is configured to selectively illuminate the sensing material to facilitate detection of certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor.