RFID Tag Assembly with Passive Energy Harvesting and Power Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active RFID tags require battery replacement due to consumption, while passive RFID tags have limited range and operational capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A dual RFID tag assembly with a passive first tag that converts RF energy to storable energy and an active second tag powered by a battery, allowing power sharing between the tags to extend operational range and capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If passive RFID tags are used, then battery replacement is eliminated, but operational range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a passive RFID tag and an active RFID tag into a single tag assembly. The passive tag harvests RF energy from the reader to power its operations and charge the battery of the active tag. This merging allows the assembly to achieve both the battery-free operation of passive tags and the extended range of active tags, as the active tag can transmit with higher power when needed while the passive tag handles routine communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag assembly performs multiple functions through its dual-tag configuration. The passive tag provides basic identification and can be charged by RF energy, while the active tag provides enhanced transmission capability and can power its own operations from the harvested energy. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without needing separate tags for each function.
2Length of stationary object
If active RFID tags are used, then operational range is extended, but battery replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The passive tag in the assembly performs self-powering by harvesting RF energy from the reader's transmission. This harvested energy is used to power the passive tag's operations and simultaneously charge the active tag's battery. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual battery replacement, as the system recharges itself through normal operational interactions with the reader.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the battery when it depletes (as would be necessary with a single active tag), the system recovers and recharges the battery using RF energy harvested from the reader. The battery is continuously replenished during operational cycles, extending its effective service life and eliminating replacement needs for the duration of the tag assembly's operational lifecycle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power sharing is implemented between tags, then operational capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tag assembly is segmented into two distinct functional components: a passive RFID tag and an active RFID tag. Each tag maintains its own independent circuitry, antenna, and processing capabilities. This segmentation allows each tag to operate autonomously while still benefiting from the power sharing arrangement, reducing the complexity that would arise from attempting to create a single integrated tag with all required functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power sharing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the passive and active tags. RF energy harvested by the passive tag is transferred to the active tag's battery through a defined power transfer interface. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a clear, standardized method for energy transfer without requiring direct integration of all functional components into a single complex unit.
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 extended operational range and capabilities of RFID tags by leveraging power sharing between passive and active tags, reducing the need for battery replacement and enhancing functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a converter configured to convert energy from the first radio-frequency signal to storable energy
Data Source
AI summary
An example radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag assembly includes: a first tag comprising: a first antenna configured to receive a first radio-frequency signal; a first circuit interconnected with the first antenna, the first circuit configured to be powered by the first radio-frequency signal and to control the first antenna to transmit first tag identification data; and a converter configured to convert energy from the first radio-frequency signal to storable energy; and a second tag comprising: a second antenna configured to transmit second tag identification data; and a battery configured to store energy to power the second tag and provide the stored energy to the first tag in response to a power sharing condition; wherein the converter is further configured to provide the storable energy to the second tag for storage in the battery in response to a power storage condition.