Stress-Sensitive RFID Tag with Conductive Loop for Component Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating changes in physical components require visual inspection, which is time-consuming and impractical for components in hard-to-reach locations or hidden behind coverings.
Innovation Solution
A stress-sensitive RFID tag with an elongated conductive loop that changes operational characteristics upon breakage, allowing for non-visual detection of physical changes by altering its response to interrogation signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual inspection methods are used to evaluate component changes, then detection capability is provided, but inspection time increases and accessibility requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection (mechanical/optical system) with RFID technology (electromagnetic system). The RFID tag contains an elongated conductive loop that changes its electromagnetic resonance characteristics when the monitored component undergoes stress or deformation. This allows remote, non-contact detection of component changes without requiring physical inspection of the component itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag serves as an intermediary between the component being monitored and the inspection system. Instead of directly observing the component, the system reads the RFID tag's operational characteristics, which have been modified by the component's stress state. This intermediary approach enables indirect measurement of component conditions.
2Loss of information
If visual markers are placed on components for stress detection, then state change detection is enabled, but accessibility and inspection efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Physical visual markers are replaced with an electromagnetic-based RFID system. The RFID tag's conductive loop experiences mechanical stress from the monitored component, causing changes in its electrical properties (resonance frequency, impedance). These changes are detected remotely via RFID communication, eliminating the need for visual inspection of physical markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag performs multiple functions: it serves as both a identification tag and a stress sensor. The same device that provides wireless communication capability also detects component stress through changes in its conductive loop characteristics, consolidating multiple functions into a single system.
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 the detection of physical changes in components without visual inspection, providing a rapid and efficient method for monitoring stress-induced changes in components positioned in inaccessible locations.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated conductive loop electrically connecting the first contact and the second contact thereby causing the RFID tag to have a first operational characteristic. In addition, the RFID tag changes from having the first operational characteristic to having a second operational characteristic upon breakage of the elongated conductive loop
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a Radio Frequency Identification tag that is sensitive to stress induced in a component to which the tag is coupled. In some embodiments, the RFID tag includes an electrically conductive loop that it configured to retain the RFID tag in a first operational state and upon breakage of the electrically conductive loop the RFID tag changes into a second operational state. By adhering the stress sensitive RFID tag to a particular component or location thereon, the operation state change of the RFID tag can be indicative of a the particular component reaching a known physical change. Moreover, a change in the operational state of the RFID tag can be detected by an appropriate RFID detector or scanner without the need for visual inspection, and thus provides evaluation of components that are positioned in hard to reach locations or hidden behind one or more coverings.