RFID Tray With Localized Antenna Fields For Optical Distribution Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical distribution frames, existing systems face challenges in efficiently managing connections and identifying fiber optic adapters due to the complexity of routing and splicing fiber optic cabling, particularly in localizing and reading RFID tags associated with connectors to ensure accurate patching and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tray with a printed circuit board integrated with RFID antennas and tags, where the board is configured to localize radio frequency fields, allowing only the relevant RFID tag to be energized and read, along with visual indicators for guidance, and the use of multiplexers to couple RFID readers to antennas, enabling efficient connection management and identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple RFID antennas are integrated into a single tray to manage multiple connections, then the quantity of RFID antennas increases, but the radio frequency fields from adjacent antennas interfere with each other, causing cross-talk and preventing accurate reading of specific tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tray into multiple isolated sections, with each section containing a single RFID antenna and its associated connector. This segmentation physically separates the antenna elements, preventing their radio frequency fields from interfering with each other while still allowing the system to manage multiple connections simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the tray itself with its isolated sections) that mediates between the multiple RFID antennas. This intermediary design allows multiple antennas to coexist in a single tray while maintaining field isolation through the tray's physical structure and ground planes.
2Ease of operation
If RFID antennas are integrated into the tray to enable connection management, then connection management capability improves, but the complexity of routing and splicing fiber optic cabling remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods with automated RFID-based identification. By integrating RFID antennas into the tray and using RFID tags on connectors, the system automatically identifies and tracks connections, eliminating the need for manual labeling, visual tracing, and complex routing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system enables self-service connection management where the tray and connectors automatically identify themselves and their connections. The system self-describes the topology and status of connections without requiring manual intervention or complex administrative processes.
3Productivity
If a single RFID reader reads multiple RFID tags simultaneously, then reading speed increases, but the system cannot accurately identify which specific tag corresponds to which connector position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reading process by spatially separating each RFID antenna into its own isolated section within the tray. Each antenna is positioned to read only its associated tag, ensuring that while multiple tags can be read simultaneously, the system maintains precise knowledge of which tag corresponds to which connector position through the fixed spatial relationship established during manufacturing.
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 solution enhances connection management by ensuring accurate and efficient identification of fiber optic adapters, reducing I/O pin count and trace routing complexity, and facilitating easy maintenance by visual signaling and precise alignment of components, thus improving the overall efficiency of optical distribution frames.
Implementation Method 1
The printed circuit board is configured to localize a field emitted from each RFID antenna so that only the RFID tag associated with that RFID antenna is energized and read
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to a tray for use in a subrack of a rack, the tray comprising a printed circuit board configured so that a plurality of connections can be made at a plurality of positions on the printed circuit board. Each of the plurality of connections involves at least one connector having an RFID tag associated therewith. The tray further comprises a plurality of RFID antennas integrated into the printed circuit board, each the RFID antennas associated with a respective one of the positions. The printed circuit board is configured to localize a field emitted from each RFID antenna so that only the RFID tag associated with that RFID antenna is energized and read.