RFID Tactile Tile Antenna Directional Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile guiding tiles for visually impaired individuals do not leverage electronic information delivery due to high costs and complexity of deploying large-scale electronic devices for navigation assistance.
Innovation Solution
A radio communication device with a planar body and end-fire array antenna is inserted into gaps between flooring components, radiating signals uni-directionally to provide navigation information to users, compatible with existing brick and tile infrastructure, reducing installation costs and environmental interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If large scale electronic devices are deployed on roadways and around buildings to provide electronic navigation information, then navigation information delivery capability is improved, but deployment cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the navigation system into two parts: simple passive RFID tags embedded in individual tactile tiles, and active readers held by users or mounted on canes. This segmentation allows each tile to remain simple and inexpensive while the intelligence is distributed to user devices, resolving the contradiction between information delivery capability and deployment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID technology as an intermediary between the tactile tiles and user devices. The passive RFID tags in tiles communicate with active readers through radio frequency fields, enabling navigation information delivery without requiring complex electronics in each tile or extensive infrastructure deployment
2Ease of operation
If traditional tactile guiding tiles are used, then visual impairment assistance is provided through tactile feedback, but electronic navigation information delivery capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges traditional tactile tile functionality with passive RFID tags into a single integrated component. The tactile tiles retain their original physical characteristics for tactile navigation while simultaneously embedding RFID tags for electronic communication, enabling both tactile feedback and electronic information delivery without compromising either function
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile tiles are designed to serve multiple functions: providing tactile guidance through their physical texture and shape, while also serving as carriers for RFID tags that enable wireless communication. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both traditional and modern navigation needs
3Ease of manufacture
If RFID devices are placed in gaps between flooring components, then installation cost and time are reduced, but signal radiation interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs directional antennas that concentrate radio frequency energy in specific directions rather than radiating uniformly in all directions. This localizes the signal radiation quality, providing strong signals where needed (toward user devices) while minimizing interference in other directions, thus resolving the contradiction between installation ease and signal interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the radiation pattern parameter of the antennas from omnidirectional to directional. By adjusting the antenna configuration and radiation characteristics, the system achieves effective signal transmission while reducing harmful interference, allowing RFID devices to be installed in gaps without compromising signal quality
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 provides effective navigation assistance to visually impaired users by minimizing signal interference and reducing installation costs through directional signal radiation and integration with existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna arrangement arranged to substantially radiate radio communication signals from the radio communication chip in a direction away from the gap portion
Data Source
AI summary
A radio communication device comprising a planar body arranged to be inserted into a gap portion between one or more construction components, wherein the planar body includes a radio communication chip and an antenna arrangement arranged to substantially radiate radio communication signals from the radio communication chip in a direction away from the gap portion.