RFID Tag Replacement for High-Temperature Engine Module Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking turbine engine components, especially those exposed to high temperatures, are inaccurate and prone to user error due to the degradation of RFID tags and reliance on serial numbers.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based tracking system that integrates RFID tags with LRUs, barcodes, markings, and embedded sensors, allowing for accurate tracking of components across various temperatures and locations, and utilizing a blockchain-like distributed ledger to maintain a history of component changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags are used to track turbine engine components, then tracking capability is provided, but the RFID tags degrade under high temperature conditions leading to inaccurate tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking system that uses temperature-compensated RFID tags combined with external sensors and a cloud-based platform. The intermediary system compensates for the degradation of RFID tags in high temperature environments by using temperature compensation algorithms and alternative tracking methods, thereby maintaining tracking accuracy without exposing the core RFID technology to extreme conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or virtual representation of the physical component tracking data through blockchain technology. Instead of relying solely on physical RFID tags that degrade, the system creates immutable digital records of component history, location, and condition that can be verified without exposing physical tags to high temperatures, thus ensuring continuous accurate tracking.
2Measurement precision
If manual tracking methods using serial numbers are used, then system complexity is reduced, but user error increases leading to inaccurate tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service tracking where the system automatically captures, verifies, and updates component data without requiring manual intervention. RFID tags automatically transmit their identifiers, sensors continuously monitor component conditions, and the blockchain platform automatically verifies and records all transactions. This eliminates user error while maintaining high tracking precision through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates continuous feedback loops where tracking data is constantly verified against blockchain records, and discrepancies are automatically detected and corrected. The system provides real-time feedback on component location, condition, and history, allowing for immediate verification and correction of any tracking errors, thereby maintaining high measurement precision through automated self-correction mechanisms.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive tracking of all engine components is implemented, then component history accuracy is improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-structuring the blockchain database schema and smart contracts to automatically capture all necessary component data at the source. Tracking templates and data validation rules are established in advance, ensuring that all component history information is captured systematically from the beginning. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for complex post-processing and simplifies ongoing data management while maintaining complete and accurate component histories.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, systems, and storage media to track engine components are disclosed. An example apparatus includes processor circuitry to receive first information scanned from a first tag of a first engine module of an engine undergoing maintenance, the first information including an identifier of a second engine module of the engine, the first engine module exposed to temperatures below a threshold temperature; determine that the second engine module is not to be replaced; output instructions to replace the first tag of the first engine module with a second tag; receive second information scanned from the second tag to obtain a new identifier of the second engine module; and transmit the second information to a server, the server to update records for the second engine module based on the second information.