Multi-Orientation UHF Timing Tags for Reliable Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sports timing tags using UHF technology face challenges due to body detuning and misorientation issues, leading to unreliable signal detection and missed registrations, especially in wet environments and complex events like triathlons, and existing solutions require costly antenna mat replacements.
Innovation Solution
A wearable sports timing tag assembly with multiple UHF tags positioned on a flexible substrate of varying thickness and orientation to ensure optimal signal detection, using a low-dielectric material as a spacer to minimize detuning and allow for reliable detection with existing RFID readers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single UHF tag is used on the athlete's body, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of signal detection deteriorates due to body detuning and misorientation
Solution Approach 1:
The single tag is segmented into multiple tags (at least three) arranged in different orientations on the wearable device. Each tag is oriented at a different angle relative to the body's longitudinal axis, ensuring that at least one tag maintains optimal orientation for signal detection regardless of the athlete's position or movement, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different tags are positioned at different locations and orientations on the wearable device to create local variations in signal transmission characteristics. This ensures that specific tags are optimally positioned for detection from different directions, improving overall detection reliability without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
2Ease of operation
If the tag antenna is positioned close to the body for comfort, then the ease of operation is improved, but the tag detuning effect worsens due to the body's high dielectric constant
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device incorporates a dielectric member positioned between the tag antennas and the athlete's body to create a localized low-dielectric environment. This dielectric barrier reduces the detuning effect caused by the body's high dielectric constant while allowing the tags to remain close to the body for comfort, thus resolving the contradiction between wearability and signal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A dielectric member is introduced as an intermediary element between the tag antennas and the athlete's body. This intermediary reduces the harmful electromagnetic interaction between the high-dielectric body and the tag antennas, minimizing detuning effects while maintaining the tags' proximity to the body for comfort and security.
3Reliability
If multiple tags are added to different orientations to solve misorientation, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tags in different orientations are merged into a single integrated wearable device structure. The tags, dielectric members, and support elements are combined into one manufacturable unit, reducing the complexity of assembly and deployment while maintaining the reliability benefits of multiple oriented tags. This merging approach simplifies manufacturing compared to deploying separate tags independently.
4Ease of manufacture
If legacy detection antennas are used without modification, then the cost is reduced, but the ability to detect weak backscatter signals from misoriented tags deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tag assembly is pre-configured with multiple tags in different orientations and a dielectric member to optimize signal transmission before the athlete participates. This preliminary optimization ensures that at least one tag will be optimally oriented for detection by legacy antennas, allowing the system to maintain compatibility with existing detection infrastructure without requiring antenna upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the limitation of legacy detection antennas (inability to detect weak or misoriented signals) into a benefit by pre-orienting multiple tags so that at least one tag's strong backscatter signal aligns with the legacy antenna's detection capability. This approach turns the antenna's weakness into an opportunity to simplify the overall system while maintaining reliability.
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 solution significantly reduces missed registrations without modifying RFID readers, ensuring accurate timing data collection even in challenging conditions by optimizing the orientation and amplitude of backscattered signals from the tags.
Implementation Method 1
A wearable sports timing tag assembly with multiple UHF tags positioned on a flexible substrate of varying thickness and orientation to ensure optimal signal detection, using a low-dielectric material as a spacer to minimize detuning
Implementation Method 2
The tag acts as a passive transponder emitting microwaves or ultra-high frequency (UHF) signals to the detection antenna. The modulated backscatter signal that is generated by the tag
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A wearable sport timing tag assembly comprising at least a first and second tag is described for transmitting data associated with the wearer of the tag assembly to at least one detection antenna, wherein the tag assembly comprises means for attaching the tag assembly to at least a body part or clothing of the wearer, wherein when attached to said body or clothing the main signal transmission direction of said first tag being in a first direction; and, the main signal transmission direction of said second tag being in a second direction which is different from said first direction.