RFID Tracking Device Carrier with Protective Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracking systems face challenges in accurately and reliably logging data on components due to manual errors and the vulnerability of RFID tags to environmental conditions such as vibrations, impacts, and weather.

Innovation Solution

A tracking device comprising a flexible band and a carrier with a housing that secures a tracking component, where the housing has a recess with a larger footprint than the opening, and a hole for the antenna element, allowing secure attachment to components and protection from environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual inspection of tags is used, then data collection is possible, but time consumption increases and error rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual inspection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated RFID reading system. The RFID reader automatically detects and reads tracking data from components without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating time consumption and human error associated with manual tag inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If RFID tag is exposed, then reading is easy, but vulnerability to environmental conditions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadability by RFID readerVSAvoiddurability against environmental stressors

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tracking component is nested within a protective housing structure. The housing contains the RFID tag and antenna elements while providing mechanical protection against environmental conditions such as vibrations, impacts, and weather, allowing the tag to remain readable while being protected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible band with integrated housing that can conform to component shapes while protecting the RFID tag. The flexible material provides environmental protection while maintaining RFID signal transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If tracking component is securely mounted, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment to componentVSAvoidstructure of carrier and housing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the carrier, housing, and mounting functions into a single integrated structure. The carrier includes the housing with recess and fastening features, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the RFID tag, provides mechanical mounting to the component, and maintains antenna element positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11037039B2Method and system for securing a tracking device to a component

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 SPM OIL & GAS INC

AI summary

A carrier for securing a tracking component includes a housing. The housing includes a recess formed into a face of the housing that is adapted to secure the tracking component. The recess includes a wall that surrounds a periphery of the recess and a hole formed through a bottom surface of the recess.