Snowflake Nonlinear Passive Tag for Golf Ball Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball locating systems are inefficient in detecting balls not within a user's line of sight due to size, weight, and material constraints of conventional RFID tags, and lack of effective non-linear radar applications for sports equipment.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball locating system employing a lightweight, miniature snowflake nonlinear passive transponder tag that uses harmonic radar to detect and locate golf balls without a power source, integrated with a handheld unit for distance and direction indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional RFID tags are used for golf ball locating, then detection capability is provided, but the tags are too large and heavy to be affixed to the ball surface without affecting ball performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional RFID tag parameters (size, weight, active components) to a passive nonlinear tag with different operational parameters. The tag uses nonlinear electromagnetic response at harmonic frequencies rather than active RFID communication, enabling extreme miniaturization to less than 1mm while maintaining detection capability through passive energy harvesting from incident radar signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential detection function from conventional RFID tags, removing batteries, complex circuitry, and communication components. The passive nonlinear tag retains only the minimal elements needed to generate a detectable harmonic response, achieving detection capability with minimal mass and volume.
2Area of stationary object
If passive RFID tags with larger size are used to increase detection range, then detection range is improved, but the tags become too large to be affixed to the ball surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection mechanism from conventional RFID electromagnetic coupling to nonlinear harmonic generation. This parameter change enables the tag to achieve adequate detection range through resonant nonlinear response at harmonic frequencies, allowing the tag to be miniaturized to less than 1mm while maintaining functional detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining conductive material (for the nonlinear element), dielectric material (for substrate and antenna), and adhesive material (for attachment). This composite approach enables the tag to achieve optimal electromagnetic performance in a minimal size, combining the functions of antenna, circuit, and mounting in a single integrated structure less than 1mm in size.
3Measurement precision
If active RFID tags with battery are used, then detection capability is provided, but the battery becomes weakened over time requiring recharging or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The passive nonlinear tag harvests energy directly from incident radar signals to power its nonlinear response, eliminating the need for external power sources. The tag automatically converts a portion of the incident electromagnetic energy into the harmonic signal needed for detection, providing indefinite operational duration without batteries, recharging, or maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the power source function from the detection system, removing batteries and power management circuitry. The passive tag relies entirely on energy harvesting from incident radar signals, eliminating the temporal limitation imposed by finite battery capacity and providing permanent operational capability.
4Measurement precision
If GPS devices are built into the ball, then location tracking is provided, but the devices add to manufacturing difficulty and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts location tracking capability from complex GPS devices to a simple passive nonlinear tag. By removing satellites, processors, memory, and power management systems, the patent achieves location detection through minimal passive electromagnetic response, dramatically simplifying manufacturing while maintaining functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of location tracking functionality using passive nonlinear harmonic generation instead of active GPS satellite communication. The tag replicates the essential function of location detection through resonant electromagnetic response at harmonic frequencies, achieving equivalent utility with minimal complexity and manufacturing overhead.
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
The system effectively locates golf balls obscured by clutter, providing accurate distance and direction information without affecting the ball's flight characteristics, offering a cost-effective and practical solution for golfers.
Implementation Method 1
includes an electromagnetic nonlinear element configured to be detected by the incident signal. Upon being detected by the incident signal, the transponder tag is configured to transmit the reflected return harmonic signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
A nonlinear radar system includes a handheld unit including a display screen, a first antenna configured to generate and emit an incident signal having a first frequency, and a second antenna configured to receive a reflected return harmonic signal having a second frequency, as well as a transponder tag is attached to an existing golf ball. Such a transponder tag is in communication with and responsive to the handheld unit, and includes an electromagnetic nonlinear element configured to be detected by the incident signal without the need for a line of sight. Upon being detected by the incident signal, the transponder tag is configured to transmit the reflected return harmonic signal having the second frequency different from the first frequency. The transponder tag is passive and does not require a power source other than incident radiation.