Self-Charging RFID Tag with Solid-State Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID tags with battery-powered systems face limitations due to finite battery life, requiring frequent recharging or replacement, which affects their longevity and usability in applications like asset tracking and toll collection, especially in scenarios where continuous operation is needed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rechargeable solid-state battery with a power manager and supplemental power sources, such as energy harvesting from radio frequency waves, light, thermal energy, or kinetic energy, to extend the operational life of RFID tags, allowing for over 100,000 charge cycles with minimal capacity loss and maintaining at least 50% charge for 10 years.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a rechargeable battery is used in RFID tags, then the operational life is extended, but the battery capacity is reduced compared to disposable batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag system performs self-service by automatically recharging its battery through energy harvesting from RF fields and environmental sources (light, thermal, kinetic energy). The power manager circuit autonomously manages power allocation between operations and recharging, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement and enabling the tag to sustain operations over extended periods despite individual battery capacity limitations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If liquid electrolyte rechargeable batteries are used, then the battery can be recharged, but the number of charge/recharge cycles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from liquid electrolyte chemistry to solid-state battery chemistry, fundamentally changing the physical state parameter of the electrolyte. Solid-state batteries inherently support significantly more charge/discharge cycles (100,000+ cycles) compared to liquid electrolyte batteries, while maintaining recharge capability. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing both adaptability (rechargeability) and reliability (extended cycle life).
3Use of energy by moving object
If the RFID tag is connected to the automobile electrical system, then continuous power is provided, but the tag becomes permanently mounted and cannot be transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power connection from the automobile electrical system and replaces it with an autonomous power source (solid-state battery) that can be independently recharged. This extraction allows the RFID tag to be physically separated from any specific vehicle, enabling transferability between vehicles while maintaining continuous operational capability through autonomous recharging from environmental energy sources.
4Reliability
If passive mode is used when battery is depleted, then the tag can still respond to queries, but the communication range is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The solid-state battery combined with multi-source energy harvesting enables continuous useful action by maintaining adequate power levels for active mode operation. The power manager continuously monitors battery charge levels and directs recharging activities to ensure the battery remains sufficiently charged for active communication, eliminating the need to revert to limited-range passive mode and maintaining both reliability and communication range continuously.
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 significantly extends the active life of RFID tags, enabling continuous operation and reliable tracking across various applications, including vehicle ownership and toll collection, by providing a reliable power source that conserves battery power and allows for extended use without frequent recharging or replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The power source captures energy from radio frequency waves
Implementation Method 2
supplemental power sources generate electricity from light
Implementation Method 3
supplemental power sources generate electricity from light, thermal energy, and/or kinetic energy
Implementation Method 4
supplemental power sources generate electricity from light, thermal energy, and/or kinetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a rechargeable solid state battery, control circuitry coupled to the rechargeable solid state battery, and a power source for recharging the rechargeable solid state battery.