Rotatable RFID Coil for DIN Rail Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID/NFC systems face challenges in achieving inductive coupling between stationary and movable interfaces when mounted on components due to spatial constraints and orientation issues, leading to difficulties in data transmission, and current solutions are complex and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A RFID/NFC system comprising a stationary interface with a coil connected to a chip and a movable element with a coil that can be positioned to face or parallel to the stationary coil, allowing for close proximity and easy alignment, using a substrate sticker for attachment to portable devices, and featuring a housing for safe insertion and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stationary RFID/NFC-interface is fixed to a mounting device, then the component can be mounted on standard rails, but there is not enough space to bring the coils close enough together for inductive coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent rotates the movable coil by 90 degrees relative to the stationary coil, changing the spatial orientation from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows the coils to face each other properly despite the constraints of mounting on a rail, enabling inductive coupling while maintaining adaptability to standard mounting devices.
2Reliability
If the coils are positioned to face each other for strong inductive coupling, then data transmission is possible, but the system becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two independent modules: a stationary RFID/NFC-interface with a fixed coil and a movable RFID/NFC-interface with a rotatable coil. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured separately using standard components, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable inductive coupling when the movable coil is rotated into position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotatable mechanism for the movable coil, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation. This dynamic adjustment enables the coil to rotate 90 degrees to face the stationary coil during operation, achieving strong inductive coupling without requiring a complex fixed structure, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
3Power
If the coil planes are oriented parallel to each other, then inductive coupling is maximized, but the movable element cannot be positioned close enough when mounted on a DIN rail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement where coils must be parallel to a three-dimensional configuration where the movable coil can rotate 90 degrees to face the stationary coil. This dimensional change allows the coil planes to be oriented optimally for inductive coupling while accommodating the fixed spacing imposed by DIN rail mounting constraints.
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 reliable inductive coupling without physical contact risks, facilitating communication between stationary and portable interfaces while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture, supporting industrial implementations with multiple interfaces and diverse portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
Radio-Frequency-Identification-systems (RFID-systems) and Near-Field-Communication-systems (NFC-systems) are used for many years to wireless transmit data using inductive coupling. The required magnetic field is generated by antennas which are usually realized as small coils.
Data Source
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AI summary
An RFID/NFC-system comprising a stationary RFID/NFC-interface (4) and a movable RFID/NFC-element (6, 6', 6''), wherein the stationary RFID/NFC-interface (4) comprises a stationary carrier (16) with a first coil (17) arranged for example on its upper surface (15) or on its lower surface and connected to a first RFID/NFC-chip (18), wherein the stationary carrier (16) is fixed with one of its side faces (5) to a mounting device (2), wherein the movable RFID/NFC-element (6, 6', 6'') comprises a movable carrier (7, 7', 7'') with a second coil (8, 8', 8'') arranged for example on its upper surface (14) or on its lower surface, wherein the second coil (8, 8', 8'') is connected or connectable to a second RFID/NFC-chip and wherein the movable RFID/NFC-element (6, 6', 6'') can be moved with respect to the stationary RFID/NFC-interface (4) such that the upper surface (14) or the lower surface of the movable carrier (7, 7', 7'') and the upper surface (15) or the lower surface of the stationary carrier (16) at least partly face each other such that signals can be transferred between the first coil (17) and the second coil (8, 8', 8''). Further an according RFID/NFC-element (6, 6', 6'') is described.