RFID Vehicle Detection System Wireless Power and Signal Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle detection systems are limited in installation flexibility due to the need for a battery and wiring to power the detection device, restricting the placement options.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle detection system utilizing RFID technology with a reading device that transmits power and communication signals, allowing detection devices to operate without batteries and using a connection switch unit to toggle between contact and non-contact states based on vehicle conditions, enabling flexible installation and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a battery and wiring are used to power the detection device, then the detection device can operate continuously, but the installation flexibility is reduced and the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the battery from the detection device structure. The detection device operates without an internal battery by receiving power wirelessly through the antenna unit that communicates with the reading device, thereby eliminating the need for battery installation and wiring connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring and battery system with an electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. The antenna unit transmits and receives electromagnetic signals for both communication and power supply, substituting the traditional electrical connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Weight of moving object

If a battery is installed in the detection device, then continuous power supply is ensured, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection device weightVSAvoidpower supply duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery is completely removed from the detection device. Power is supplied externally through the reading device via electromagnetic induction, eliminating the weight of the battery while maintaining continuous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wiring is used to connect the detection device to the power source, then stable power supply is achieved, but the installation locations are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation location flexibilityVSAvoidpower supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Physical wiring connections are replaced with wireless electromagnetic power transmission. The antenna unit establishes power and data communication through electromagnetic fields, allowing the detection device to be installed in locations that would be inaccessible with wired connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna unit serves multiple functions: it communicates detection signals and simultaneously receives power wirelessly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power wiring while maintaining reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 installation flexibility by eliminating the need for batteries and wiring, allowing for reduced size and weight of detection devices while accurately determining vehicle states, such as passenger presence or seat belt usage, through efficient signal transmission and reception.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna unit that mutually transmits and receives a signal from and to the reading device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10245974B2Vehicle detection system

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A vehicle detection system includes an RFID reader, a detection device, and an ECU. The RFID reader transmits a transmission signal including at least a signal that supplies power. The detection device includes a second antenna unit that mutually transmits and receives a signal to and from the RFID reader, an RFID detection circuit that is activated using the signal that supplies power included in the transmission signal received by the second antenna unit as driving power and that outputs a detection signal to the second antenna unit, and a switch circuit that switches an electrical connection portion between the second antenna unit and the RFID detection circuit to a contact state or to a non-contact state according to a state inside the vehicle. The ECU determines the state inside the vehicle on the basis of the detection signal received by the RFID reader.