UHF RFID Tag with Reflector for Underground Asset Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UHF RFID tags are ineffective for underground asset location due to signal attenuation in soil and lossy mediums, limiting their read range and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The development of high-gain UHF RFID tags with unique antenna designs, such as dual spiral, Yagi, and backfire helix antennas, optimized for soil environments, combined with reflectors and circular polarization to enhance signal transmission and reduce interference from magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UHF RFID tags are used for underground asset location, then the tags can provide identification capability, but the signal attenuation in soil limits the read range and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the antenna design parameters from conventional configurations to specialized high-gain designs (Yagi, helical, patch antennas with specific geometries) optimized for underground operation. These parameter changes in antenna structure, size, and configuration enable the system to overcome signal attenuation in soil and achieve reliable reading at greater depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflectors positioned beneath the antenna to create a directional radiation pattern that focuses energy downward into the ground. This dimensional addition of a reflective surface below the antenna transforms the radiation pattern from omnidirectional to directionally focused, improving signal penetration into the lossy soil medium.
2Length of stationary object
If high-gain antennas are used to increase read depth, then the signal transmission is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into distinct functional components: the radiating element (Yagi, helical, or patch antenna), the reflector structure, and the RFID tag module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system integration, managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simplified models and simulations to design and optimize antenna structures before physical implementation. By creating virtual copies of the antenna systems in electromagnetic simulation software, the designers can evaluate performance and make adjustments without repeatedly building physical prototypes, reducing overall development complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If conventional antenna designs are used, then the device complexity is low, but the read depth in lossy soil environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies antenna parameters including length, width, spacing, geometry, and material properties to optimize performance for underground operation. These parameter changes transform conventional low-complexity antennas into high-gain configurations that achieve superior read depth while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary element between the antenna and the ground. This reflector mediates the electromagnetic field distribution, directing energy downward into the soil and improving coupling between the antenna and the lossy medium, thereby enhancing read depth without requiring excessive complexity in the antenna itself.
4Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic locators or electromagnetic equipment are used for metal pipes and cables, then location can be achieved, but different detection methods are required for different materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal RFID tag system that can identify and locate various underground assets regardless of material composition. By using passive RFID tags embedded in or near assets, the system provides a unified approach that works for metal pipes, plastic conduits, fiber optic cables, and other materials, eliminating the need for multiple specialized detection systems.
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
These tags achieve up to 60% greater read depths in lossy soil environments compared to conventional tags, providing improved reliability and accuracy for underground asset location and management.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector provided in the housing between the rear side of the tag and the bottom of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a permanent magnet provided in the housing between the rear side of the tag and the bottom of the housing
Implementation Method 3
the tag having a rear side facing the bottom of the housing and a front side facing the top of the housing, the front side having a chip and a dual spiral antenna provided thereon
Implementation Method 4
combined with reflectors and circular polarization to enhance signal transmission and reduce interference from magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
A marker for locating and identify assets which includes an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag optimized for use below ground and able to more effectively communicate with a RFID reader through a lossy medium such as soil and air. The markers include a reflector which is sized relatively larger than the tag to help focus the forward pattern of the tag more tightly in a forward direction normal to the spiral surface. In addition, the tag includes a chip configured for the soil in which it is to be buried, and an antenna polarized to match the polarization of an RFID reader antenna that is part of a system that includes the marker and reader.