Passive RFID Tilt Indicator for Battery-Free Threshold Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During transportation, fragile or tilt-sensitive objects are prone to damage due to improper orientation, necessitating a reliable method to detect and indicate tilt events exceeding a threshold angle without requiring internal power sources.
Innovation Solution
A tilt indicator comprising a housing with a tilt detection assembly, switch circuitry, and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module, where the tilt detection assembly causes a change in the RFID module's output when a tilt event exceeding a threshold is detected, allowing for tilt event monitoring without internal power and providing an irreversible 'go-no go' indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tilt detection devices are used, then tilt event detection capability is achieved, but internal power sources (batteries) are required which increase device complexity and maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic power-dependent tilt detection system with a passive RFID-based system. The RFID tag passively stores tilt detection data and is interrogated by an external RFID reader, eliminating the need for internal batteries or power sources while maintaining tilt event detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external RFID reader as an intermediary device that provides the necessary energy and data retrieval capability. The passive RFID tag serves as a mediator between the tilt detection mechanism and the monitoring system, allowing data transfer without direct power connection.
2Loss of information
If active electronic monitoring systems are used, then real-time data transmission is achieved, but energy consumption increases requiring batteries
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic interrogation through RFID scanning. The passive tag only transmits data when queried by an external RFID reader, converting continuous energy consumption into periodic, on-demand data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive RFID tag harvests energy from the RFID reader's electromagnetic field to power its circuitry temporarily for data transmission, making the system self-sufficient without internal power sources.
3Ease of operation
If removable arming elements are used, then activation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with the tilt detection mechanism and passive RFID tag integrated into the housing. The arming element simply needs to be removed or actuated to enable the pre-loaded tilt detection functionality, simplifying the activation process.
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 effective tilt event detection and indication, ensuring sensitive objects are not damaged by improper orientation, with the ability to be affixed to containers or items, and functioning as a passive sensor integrated into electronic monitoring systems without the need for batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt detection assembly, switch circuitry, and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module coupled to the switch circuitry. Responsive to the tilt detection assembly being subjected to a tilt event exceeding a threshold
Implementation Method 2
a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module coupled to the switch circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A tilt indicator includes a housing having a tilt detection assembly, switch circuitry, and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module coupled to the switch circuitry. Responsive to the tilt detection assembly being subjected to a tilt event exceeding a threshold, the switch circuitry causes a change in a value output by the RFID module when activated.