RFID Tag with Segmented Heating Elements for Thermal Property Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless sensing devices face challenges in accurately measuring thermal properties of materials and objects, particularly in determining thermal conductivity, diffusivity, and heat capacity, due to limitations in power management and thermal isolation techniques.

Innovation Solution

The development of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag with integrated circuits and heating elements that thermally isolate target areas, allowing for precise temperature sensing and wireless transmission of thermal characteristics, enabling efficient measurement of thermal properties by comparing temperature variations between isolated regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heating elements are used to measure different thermal properties, then measurement capability is improved, but thermal isolation between measurement regions becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidthermal isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the substrate into multiple distinct measurement regions, each with its own heating element and temperature sensor. The substrate itself acts as a thermal isolation structure, separating the first measurement region containing the first heating element from the second measurement region containing the second heating element. This segmentation allows independent thermal measurement in each region while maintaining thermal isolation through the substrate structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas and ICs are integrated in a single RFID tag, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components (first antenna, second antenna, first IC, second IC) into a single RFID tag device. The first IC is electrically coupled to the first antenna and controls the first heating element, while the second IC is electrically coupled to the second antenna and controls the second heating element. This merging allows the device to perform multiple functions (thermal measurement, wireless communication, power management) within a single integrated platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If heating elements are used to generate temperature variations for measurement, then measurement speed is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating elements are activated in a periodic or sequential manner rather than continuously. The first heating element can be activated to heat the first measurement region, followed by activation of the second heating element for the second measurement region. This periodic activation allows temperature variations to be generated for measurement purposes while minimizing overall energy consumption compared to continuous heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution enables accurate and efficient measurement of thermal properties, improving the accuracy of thermal conductivity, diffusivity, and heat capacity determination, and allows for the assessment of hydration levels and liquid levels by controlling power delivery and using thermal isolation techniques.

Implementation Method 1

first and second heating elements for heating respective first and second target areas and electrically coupled to the respective first and second ICs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

first and second sensing elements thermally coupled to the respective first and second heating elements for sensing a temperature of the corresponding heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal sensing: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

an antenna disposed on the substrate; first and second integrated circuits (ICs) disposed on the substrate, each IC electrically coupled to the antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10152667B2Tag assembly with multiple antennas, ICs, and/or sensing elements

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag adapted to wirelessly communicate with a remote transceiver. The RFID tag includes a substrate; and first and second circuits disposed on the substrate and comprising respective first and second antennas magnetically coupled to one another. At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a RFID tag having a plurality of RF circuits, where each RF circuit is electronically coupled to a sensing element.