Threshold Sensor with RFID Communication for Wireless Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors require wired connections and local energy sources to detect threshold changes, making them complex and costly, and they often require visual inspection or additional components for functionality, which is not feasible in all scenarios, especially for detecting moisture, temperature, or dust accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A threshold sensor with a sensing element connected to an RFID tag via a tamper loop, which triggers the tag IC when a predefined resistance value is reached, allowing wireless communication without the need for a local energy source or wired connections, using a conductive trace with a gap structure that changes resistance based on environmental conditions like dust, temperature, or moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections and local energy sources are used for sensor operation, then reliable threshold detection is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy source and processing unit from the sensor device itself, leaving only the sensing element. The RFID tag serves as a passive indicator that requires no local energy source, eliminating the need for batteries or power management circuitry while maintaining threshold detection functionality through wireless reading of the tag's state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary between the sensing element and the external processing unit. The tamper loop connects the sensing element to the RFID tag, which then communicates the threshold state wirelessly to external readers, eliminating the need for direct wired connections between the sensor and processing unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If visual inspection or additional components are used for sensor functionality, then monitoring capability is improved, but ease of operation and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for visual inspection by extracting the state indication function to a wireless RFID tag. The threshold state is communicated electronically through the RFID system, eliminating the need for physical access or visual checks of the sensing element, which is particularly beneficial for sensors installed in difficult-to-access locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag serves multiple functions: it stores the threshold state information, provides wireless communication capability, and acts as a tamper-evident seal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatile monitoring capabilities.
3Extent of automation
If microcontroller and energy sources are implemented in sensor devices, then recording features are enabled, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the recording and processing functions from the sensor device itself and relocates them to external systems. The RFID tag passively stores threshold state information without requiring a microcontroller or energy source, while external readers and processing units handle data recording and analysis, significantly reducing the complexity of the sensor device.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing element itself serves as the indicator by changing its electrical state (resistance, capacitance, or resonance) to reflect the threshold condition. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate processing electronics, as the physical property change directly encodes the measurement information that can be read by the RFID 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 reliable, wireless detection and recording of threshold values without direct access or visual inspection, providing a cost-effective and contactless solution for monitoring physical properties like dust, temperature, and moisture accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
sensing element sensing a threshold resistance value by a physical property
Implementation Method 2
RFID tag comprising a tag antenna, a tag integrated circuit and a tamper loop
Data Source
AI summary
A motor casing and a combination of a motor casing and a plug connection, the motor casing being designed for a drive of movable components of a vehicle, in particular sunroofs, blinds or roofs of convertible. A plug is inserted in the motor casing and a gap is provided between the motor casing and the plug connection. According to the disclosure, at least one projection is provided in the area of the gap and avoids play between the motor casing and the plug connection.