RFID Tag Spacer Mounting for Reduced Body RF Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID tags placed on or near a human body in timed events face reduced operational ability and accuracy due to RF energy absorption by the body and harsh environmental conditions, leading to limited read accuracy and range.
Innovation Solution
An RFID tag assembly with a mounting substrate, antenna interface, and a spacer to maintain a distance from the body, attached to a helmet using a deformable and adhesive design, ensuring effective communication and extended range in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the RFID tag is placed on or near the human body for tracking, then the participant identification is enabled, but the read accuracy and operating range are reduced due to RF energy absorption by the body
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive spacer material is introduced as an intermediary between the RFID tag and the participant's body or helmet. This spacer creates physical separation that reduces RF energy absorption by the body, thereby improving read accuracy and extending operating range while maintaining participant identification functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is positioned in a third dimension away from the body surface using the spacer, rather than being placed directly on the body. This vertical separation increases the distance between the tag and RF-absorbing materials, mitigating signal attenuation and improving communication reliability
2Volume of moving object
If the RFID tag is placed in close proximity to the body for compact design, then the device size is reduced, but the operational ability is negatively impacted by RF absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer acts as a minimal-volume intermediary that provides the necessary separation distance to improve operational reliability without significantly increasing the overall assembly volume. The spacer's thin profile maintains compactness while achieving the RF signal improvement needed for reliable operation
3Ease of manufacture
If the RFID tag is exposed without protective enclosure for easy placement, then the installation simplicity is improved, but the tag is vulnerable to environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer serves as a thin protective film or shell that encloses and protects the RFID tag from environmental hazards such as moisture, dirt, and physical damage. This protective layer maintains ease of placement while significantly improving the tag's durability in harsh racing environments
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 RFID tag assembly provides enhanced read accuracy and extended range by minimizing RF energy absorption and protecting the tag from environmental damage, enabling reliable tracking and timing of participants in moving events.
Implementation Method 1
the operational ability and/or operating range of the RFID tag can be negatively impacted. When an RFID tag is placed near a medium that absorbs RF energy
Implementation Method 2
The bottom surface of each second portion has a selectively attachable adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An RFID tag assembly and method of use with a RFID tag assembly the RFID tag assembly includes an RFID tag having a mounting substrate having a spacer with a first surface and an opposing second surface, the spacer having a predetermined thickness, a mounting carrier with a substantially planar body with a first portion having first and second ends with two sides defined therebetween and has two or more second portions extending from the body forming free ends each and having selectively attachable adhesive on a portion of the bottom surface being deformably attached to the first portion and with second surface attached to the top surface of the first portion with the first planar surface with the RFID tag position parallel and set apart above the top surface of the carrier at a distance equal to or greater than the predetermined thickness.