RFID Temperature Sensor for Building Moisture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring moisture in building structures are often ineffective at early detection, leading to costly repairs and health hazards from mold and structural damage.
Innovation Solution
A method using RFID transponders with temperature-dependent oscillators to create a temperature profile across building structures, allowing for early detection of moisture by comparing measured temperature data with reference profiles, eliminating the need for batteries and reducing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional moisture detection methods are used, then moisture can be detected, but detection occurs at a late stage when damage has already happened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds temperature sensors within the building structure during construction, positioning them at strategic locations where moisture accumulation is most likely to occur first. This preliminary placement enables detection of moisture before it causes visible damage, allowing preventive measures to be taken while the structure remains intact and repairable.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If RFID transponders with batteries are used for long-term monitoring, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but maintenance costs increase due to battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID transponders are designed as passive devices that harvest operating energy from the RF field generated by the reader during communication. This eliminates the need for batteries and their associated replacement maintenance, while enabling continuous long-term monitoring of the building structure.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are positioned at different depths to create a temperature profile, then moisture detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system divides the building structure into multiple measurement zones by placing temperature sensors at different depths and locations. Each sensor monitors a specific segment of the structure, and the combined data from these segmented measurements creates a comprehensive temperature profile that accurately indicates moisture presence without requiring a overly complex single-system approach.
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 long-term, cost-effective monitoring of building conditions, reducing energy and maintenance costs while preventing moisture-induced damage through early detection of anomalies.
Implementation Method 1
the first temperature sensor (100a) is arranged to extract operating energy from a radio frequency field (ROG)
Implementation Method 2
The oscillator circuit has a component sensitive to an environmental factor, wherein a frequency of a signal output by the oscillator circuit is indicative of a value of the environmental factor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A method for monitoring condition of a building structure (350, 380, 390) comprises: - determining first temperature information (T1, TINF1) from first temperature data (TDATA1 ) obtained from a first temperature sensor (100a), - determining reference temperature information (T1,REF,TREF1 ) by using second temperature data (TDATA2) obtained from a second temperature sensor (100b), and - comparing the first temperature information (T1,TINF1) with the reference temperature information (T1,REF,TREF1) in order to detect an abnormal condition of the structure (350, 380, 390), wherein the first sensor (100a, 100b) is positioned within the structure (350, 380, 390) such that a first distance (z1) between the first temperature sensor (100a) and an inner surface (INSRF) of the structure (350, 380, 390) is different from a second distance (z2) between the second temperature sensor (100b) and the inner surface (INSRF), wherein the first temperature sensor (100a) is an RFID transponder arranged to transmit the first temperature data (TDATA1), and wherein the first temperature sensor (100a) is arranged to extract operating energy from a radio frequency field (ROG).