Sliding Transponder Shield Box for Selective Toll Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transponders, particularly peel-and-stick varieties, lack the ability to be selectively activated or deactivated, and their removal from the windshield can damage them, making it difficult to transfer between vehicles or control their operation in scenarios like car rentals.
Innovation Solution
A sliding transponder shield box with a tray and case that allows the transponder to be enclosed or exposed, using electromagnetic shielding to deactivate it and pressing it against the windshield for activation, featuring a tray that slides into and out of the case to manage transponder visibility and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transponder is permanently mounted on the windshield, then it is always activated for toll collection, but it cannot be selectively deactivated and cannot be easily transferred between vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The transponder system is segmented into two parts: the transponder itself and the shield box. The shield box can be independently mounted on the windshield and selectively positioned to either expose or shield the transponder, allowing selective activation without permanently mounting the transponder itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield box acts as an intermediary device between the transponder and the external environment. By positioning the shield box to either expose or cover the transponder, it mediates the transponder's activation state, enabling selective control without direct modification to the transponder.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transponder is removed from the windshield for transfer, then it can be moved between vehicles, but peel-and-stick transponders may be damaged during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the mounting function (shield box on windshield) from the transponder function (RFID device). The shield box can be removed and transferred independently, leaving the transponder intact on the windshield, thus enabling vehicle transfer without damaging the transponder.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield box serves as a removable intermediary that provides the mounting capability. When transfer is needed, only the shield box is removed and transferred to the new vehicle, while the transponder remains undisturbed on the original windshield, preserving transponder integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the transponder is always exposed, then it can communicate with toll readers, but it cannot prevent unwanted toll deductions when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The shield box is designed to be dynamically repositionable along the windshield. The user can slide the shield box to expose the transponder when toll payment is needed, or move it to shield the transponder when toll payment is not needed, providing dynamic operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield box is pre-positioned in a default shielding state when not in use. Before toll collection is needed, the user proactively moves the shield box to expose the transponder, ensuring the transponder is ready for communication only when required.
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 selective control of transponder operation, preventing unwanted toll deductions and allowing easy transfer between vehicles without damaging the transponder, enhancing user convenience and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The case may include shielding materials that, when the tray is enclosed within the case, may block wireless signaling between the transponder and a reader, thereby deactivating the transponder.
Implementation Method 2
The transponder communicates with an RF reader of a toll system. For example, when a vehicle equipped with a toll transponder approaches a toll plaza or gantry, the toll system's RF reader communicates with the transponder via radio waves.
Data Source
AI summary
A shield box is provided for a toll transponder. The shield box may selectively shield thee toll transponder. The shield box may include a case that is securable to a vehicle windshield. At least a portion of the case may include a shielding material. The shield box may further include a tray configured to slide into and out of the case. The tray may support the toll transponder outside of the case and push the transponder toward a vehicle windshield to cause the toll transponder to make contact or be proximate with the vehicle windshield.