RFID Tag Carrier Assemblies for Tool Signal Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID technology faces limitations in signal range due to the small size of RFID tags, which makes them impractical for tracking tools, especially when embedded in tools, as it reduces the detectable range and desirability of the technology.
Innovation Solution
The use of carrier assemblies that include a body and a sleeve or a body with opposing arms, made from materials capable of concentrating RFID signals, such as metal, to enhance the signal range by positioning the RFID tag in contact with these components, which are designed to fit within bores of tools and provide improved signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If smaller RFID tags are used to make them less noticeable and easier to mount, then the tag size is reduced, but the signal range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier assembly as an intermediary component between the RFID tag and the tool. The carrier includes a sleeve made of electrically conductive material that surrounds the RFID tag and concentrates electromagnetic signals. This mediator allows the small RFID tag to maintain its compact size while the conductive sleeve extends and concentrates the signal field, effectively decoupling the tag physical dimensions from the signal detection range.
2Reliability
If RFID tags are embedded in tools during manufacturing, then the tags are securely attached, but the signal range is further reduced due to attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier assembly serves as a mediator that protects the RFID tag while enhancing signal transmission. The conductive sleeve in the carrier concentrates electromagnetic signals around the tag, compensating for the attenuation that occurs when the tag is embedded in the tool. This allows secure embedding while maintaining extended signal range through the signal-concentrating property of the conductive material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electromagnetic parameters of the environment by introducing a conductive sleeve that modifies the distribution and concentration of electromagnetic fields. The sleeve's conductive material creates a localized field concentration effect that enhances signal strength and range, effectively changing the electromagnetic environment to overcome the attenuation problem caused by embedding.
3Ease of operation
If RFID tags are made small for ease of mounting, then mounting simplicity is improved, but the detectable range is reduced making the technology impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier assembly acts as a mediator that enables small RFID tags to be easily mounted while maintaining practical detection ranges. The conductive sleeve in the carrier concentrates signals, allowing the tag to remain small and easy to install without sacrificing detectable range. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction between compact size for ease of mounting and sufficient range for practical application.
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 carrier assemblies significantly increase the detectable range of RFID signals, making RFID technology more practical and effective for tracking tools, allowing for the use of relatively inexpensive and disposable RFID tags without the need for embedding them in tools during manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve may at least partially surround a portion of the body, and may be formed from a material which is capable of concentrating RFID signals transmitted to or by the tag
Implementation Method 2
The body may be formed from a material which is capable of conveying RFID signals therethrough to or from the tag
Data Source
AI summary
Carriers and carrier assemblies for use in apparatus, such as tools, are provided. A carrier assembly generally includes a carrier and an RFID tag which may be coupled to the carrier. The carrier assembly may be inserted at least partially into a bore in an apparatus and removably coupled to the apparatus at least partially within the bore. The carrier may advantageously increase the range at which RFID signals transmitted to and/or from the RFID tag may be detected, either by the RFID tag or an RFID reader.