Solenoid Valve Coil as RFID Antenna for Valve Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and complexity of replacing solenoid valves in blow molding machines, particularly due to the need for dedicated antennas for RFID tags, lead to increased manufacturing costs and potential quality issues if non-original or defective valves are used.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing the coil of the solenoid valve's electromagnet as both the antenna for RFID communication and energy supply, allowing for cost-effective identification and communication with RFID tags, which can be used to ensure only original and quality-approved valves are used, and to automatically adjust operating parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated antenna is used for RFID communication with each solenoid valve, then reliable identification and quality control are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality controlVSAvoidantenna system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid coil is made to serve dual functions: electromagnetic actuation of the valve and RFID communication antenna. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated antennas for each valve, reducing system complexity and costs while maintaining reliable identification and quality control through RFID technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the electromagnetic coil and RFID antenna into a single component. The coil structure is designed to function both as the electromagnetic actuator for valve operation and as the antenna for RFID communication, thereby integrating two separate systems into one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If multiple dedicated antennas are deployed for RFID tags on multiple solenoid valves, then each valve can be uniquely identified, but manufacturing costs and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid coil serves as both the electromagnetic actuator and the RFID antenna, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions. This eliminates the need for separate antennas at each valve location, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to uniquely identify each valve through its RFID tag

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The solenoid valve's own coil structure is utilized to provide RFID communication capabilities without requiring external or additional antenna components. The existing electromagnetic field-generating structure serves the additional purpose of antenna radiation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach reduces replacement costs, ensures quality control, and simplifies maintenance by enabling automatic recognition of new valves, thus minimizing errors and extending the operating time of solenoid valves.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet with a coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an RFID tag for detecting the solenoid valve, and an antenna for unidirectional or bidirectional communication with the RFID tag. The antenna is the coil of the electromagnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4242907B1Solenoid valve
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 EUGEN SEITZ
  • EP4242907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4242907B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4242907B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A solenoid valve comprises an electromagnet with a coil (51), an RFID tag (8) for identifying the solenoid valve, and an antenna for unidirectional or bidirectional communication with the RFID tag (8). The antenna is the coil (51) of the electromagnet. Using the coil of a solenoid valve to communicate with an RFID tag enables cost-effective quality assurance when using solenoid valves, particularly in blow molding machines.