RFID Surveyor Mark with Tamper-Detecting Wire Loop

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Solution Overview

Problem

In land surveying, existing methods face challenges in securely identifying and tracking private surveyor's marks, as they can be difficult to locate and may be tampered with or moved, leading to inefficiencies and costs in determining their original position and purpose.

Innovation Solution

A surveyor's mark apparatus featuring a RFID tag embedded in a two-part structure with a thin wire loop that changes its code value when tampered with, ensuring secure embedding and easy identification of geographical coordinates, elevation, and the surveyor's information, while preventing removal without detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical securing methods are used for surveyor's marks, then the mark can be physically secured in the ground, but the mark can still be removed or tampered with without easy detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of mark tamperingVSAvoidstructure of surveyor's mark

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces purely mechanical securing methods with an electronic detection system. A RFID tag is embedded in the surveyor's mark, connected to a breakable wire loop. When the mark is tampered with or removed, the wire loop breaks, changing the RFID tag's code state from closed to open. This substitution of mechanical detection with electronic/RFID technology provides reliable tamper detection while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If surveyor's marks are made secure and tamper-resistant, then the integrity of land boundaries is maintained, but the time and cost to locate and identify marks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrity of land boundary marksVSAvoidtime to locate and identify marks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The surveyor's mark with embedded RFID tag provides self-identification capabilities. The RFID tag automatically transmits information about the mark's location, purpose, and integrity status when scanned by a reader device. This eliminates the need for manual searching and identification processes, allowing surveyors to quickly locate and verify marks without increasing structural complexity. The system serves itself by providing its own identification and status information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag provides immediate feedback about the mark's status through its code state. The tag's code changes from closed to open when tampering occurs, providing real-time information about the mark's integrity. This feedback mechanism allows for quick identification of tampered marks and enables rapid response, reducing the time needed to locate and assess mark conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a RFID tag with wire loop is embedded in the surveyor's mark, then tamper detection capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing of surveyor's mark

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The surveyor's mark is divided into separate components: the main body structure, the RFID tag, and the wire loop connection. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together. The RFID tag can be purchased as a pre-manufactured component, and the wire loop can be attached during assembly, avoiding the need for complex integrated manufacturing. This modular approach maintains ease of manufacture while achieving reliable tamper detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution allows for quick, automatic retrieval of surveyor's mark information and ensures tamper detection, reducing time and costs associated with traditional methods by securely embedding and tracking surveyor's marks.

Implementation Method 1

a thin wire sealed in the first part of the mark and making an electrical conducting loop is connected to the tag, said tag having a first code value when said loop is closed and having a second code value when the loop is open

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8289167B2Apparatus for securing a land surveyor'S mark based on the use of a radio frequency identifier tag

Publication Date: 2012.10.16 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

A surveyor's mark and a method for forming the mark. The mark includes a stick and a head assembled to the stick. The stick is configured to be planted in a ground and the head is configured to be above the ground. The head includes a tag having an identification number. The identification number has a value which is a first code value. The stick includes a thin wire configured as an electrical conducting loop and connected to the tag. If the stick is planted in the ground and the head is above the ground, then pulling the head in an attempt to pull up the mark from the ground results in the head being disassembled from the stick and the thin wire breaking so as to open the loop which changes the value of the identification number from the first code value to a second code value.