RFID Tag Positioning for Compressed-Gas Tank Data Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RFID tag-based systems for refilling compressed-gas tanks face efficiency and safety issues due to manual positioning errors, crosstalk between nearby tags, and potential damage from harsh environments, leading to incorrect data reads and writes, which can result in unsafe tank pressurization and record-keeping errors.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a unique RFID tag identifier stored electronically, coupled with a computer and internet-accessible database, where only the tag's unique identifier is read using a low-power RFID reader and antenna system, eliminating the need for storing and updating data on the tag itself, and utilizing a tank support system to ensure proper RFID tag positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If higher-power RFID readers are used to reduce reader-to-tag positioning sensitivity, then positioning accuracy is improved, but crosstalk between nearby RFID tags occurs causing incorrect tag-to-tank associations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFID reader positioning accuracyVSAvoidtag-to-tank association accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a physical intermediary structure (RFID tag holder or tank support system with positioning features) that mediates between the RFID reader and tag. This intermediary ensures proper positioning without requiring high reader power, thereby preventing crosstalk while maintaining association accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual positioning system with an automated positioning mechanism integrated into the tank support system. This mechanical system automatically positions tanks to ensure proper RFID tag alignment with the reader, eliminating the need for high-power readers and preventing crosstalk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual RFID reader positioning is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator error increases leading to incorrect data reads

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFID reading system complexityVSAvoiddata reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service positioning system where the tank support structure automatically positions the tank and its RFID tag relative to the reader. This eliminates the need for manual operator positioning, reducing both device complexity and operator error simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary positioning of the tank and RFID tag through the tank support system before the RFID reading operation occurs. This pre-positioning ensures accurate data reading without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during the reading process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If RFID tags store dynamic data locally, then data access speed is improved, but data loss occurs when tags are damaged in harsh environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access speedVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by storing only essential identification data locally on the RFID tag while maintaining a complete database backup in the central system. This allows fast local identification while ensuring data integrity through centralized storage, protecting against tag damage in harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the RFID tag data in the central database system. When a tank is registered, its information is copied from the RFID tag to the central database, ensuring that even if the original tag is damaged, the data remains intact and accessible through the copy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 approach enhances the efficiency and safety of tank refilling operations by reducing crosstalk, minimizing data loss due to tag damage, and ensuring accurate data access, allowing for secure and efficient monitoring across multiple locations.

Implementation Method 1

radio frequency identification RFID tags have been affixed to tanks to help identify important information related to the tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10867229B2Efficient, secure, and safe system and method for storing and monitoring data used for refilling compressed-gas tanks

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 BAUER COMPRESSORS

AI summary

A tank data storing and monitoring system and method have an RFID tag coupled to and associated with a tank. The RFID tag has a unique identity specified by a unique identifier stored electronically on the RFID tag. Also included are an internet-accessing computer and database. The database stores data unique to the tank having the RFID tag coupled thereto. An RFID reader coupled to the computer is used to read only the unique identifier of the RFID tag. The computer accesses the data unique to the tank stored on the database using the unique identifier.