X-ray Powered Data Transmission Through Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining information about products or components through packaging or containers are inefficient due to interference from non-transparent layers, counterfeiting risks, and limited penetration of visible light or RF radiation, leading to increased time and cost in inspections and processing.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray powered system that includes an x-ray absorber converting x-rays into electrical energy, which is used to power a memory and transmitter, allowing for the storage and transmission of information without removing packaging or containers, using x-ray radiation to penetrate and read bar codes or RFID tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visible light or RF radiation is used to read information through packaging, then the reading process can be performed non-invasively, but the penetration capability is limited and information retrieval fails through non-transparent layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of radiation type from visible light or RF to x-ray radiation. This parameter change enables penetration through non-transparent packaging layers that block lower-energy radiation, directly resolving the contradiction between non-invasive reading and penetration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using electromagnetic radiation in the visible/RF spectrum to x-ray radiation, effectively moving to a different dimension of the electromagnetic spectrum. This dimensional change in radiation energy enables information retrieval through packaging that was previously impossible with lower-energy radiation.
2Loss of information
If packaging or containers are removed to obtain information about products, then information can be read without interference, but time and cost increase due to disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the information-bearing components (memory devices, RFID tags) to be self-powered by x-ray absorbers that convert incident x-rays into electrical energy. This self-service capability allows the components to transmit information actively when exposed to x-rays, eliminating the need for physical access or power connections during inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of removing packaging with a radiation-based information retrieval system. Instead of physically accessing the product by removing packaging, the system uses x-ray radiation to penetrate the packaging and power/read information from memory devices or RFID tags intact within the packaging.
3Productivity
If x-ray absorbers convert x-rays into electrical energy to power memory and transmitters, then information can be transmitted through packaging, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact system: the x-ray absorber serves both as a power source and the memory device or RFID tag contains both data storage and transmission capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities enabled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power generation function (x-ray absorber) with the information storage and transmission functions (memory device or RFID tag) into an integrated system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate power supply, data storage, and transmission components, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 efficient and detailed information retrieval about products or components without disassembly, reducing time and cost in inspections and processing by utilizing x-ray radiation to power data transmission through electrical energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray absorber to convert received x-rays into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
x-ray radiation may penetrate an object for some distance before it interacts with matter
Data Source
AI summary
An example system includes an x-ray absorber. The x-ray absorber is to convert received x-rays into electrical energy. The system also includes a memory. The memory is to receive the electrical energy. The memory also is to output a stored value using the electrical energy. The system includes a transmitter. The transmitter is to produce x-rays representative of the stored value.