Switch using radio frequency identification
Inventors
Fink, Patrick W. • Lin, Gregory Y. • Kennedy, Timothy F. • Ngo, Phong H.
Assignees
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Publication Number
US-8985468-B1
Publication Date
2015-03-24
Expiration Date
2033-03-08
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Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus for use as a switch. In one embodiment, the switch comprises at least one RFID tag, each RFID tag comprising an antenna element and an RFID integrated circuit, at least one source element, and at least one lever arm. Each lever arm is connected to one of the RFID tags, and each lever arm is capable of two positions. One of the positions places the lever arm and the RFID tag connected thereto into alignment with the source element. Other embodiments are also described.
Core Innovation
The invention described pertains to apparatuses and systems using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for a variety of sensing, monitoring, and management applications. One particular apparatus enables use as a switch through the integration of RFID tags, source elements, and lever arms capable of occupying multiple positions to effect coupling or alignment with source elements. This approach leverages RFID signals modulated by positional states to determine switch states.
The embodiments further address challenges in inventory management, pressure sensing, and fine-resolution item dispensing. For example, RFID-enabled dispensers track small items, such as pills, where direct attachment of RFID tags is impractical. Systems utilize electromagnetic fields within enclosures, waveguides, or cavities influenced by material presence or pressure to derive properties like level or type of contents via analysis of signal characteristics such as returned signal strength indication (RSSI).
The apparatuses incorporate structural elements such as conductive and dielectric components, waveguide enclosures (parallel plate or coaxial), antenna configurations, and movable parts like travelers and lever arms that interact with RFID sensors to facilitate remote sensing, control, and positional information. The invention solves the problem of remotely and accurately detecting states or physical properties through coupling and interaction of RFID elements modulated by mechanical or material changes.
Claims Coverage
The claims include two independent claims describing RFID-based switch apparatuses with distinct structural features.
RFID tag coupled to rotatable membrane switch
An apparatus including a ring tag with a ring element and an RFID integrated circuit attached to a rotatable insulating fabric membrane. The membrane can be positioned to enable or disable coupling of the ring tag to a fabric antenna (source element), with a fastener to hold the membrane in either position.
Lever arm switch with RFID tag alignment
An apparatus comprising at least one RFID tag having an antenna element and RFID integrated circuit, at least one source element, and at least one lever arm. Each lever arm is attached to an RFID tag and can move between at least two positions, one of which aligns the lever arm and RFID tag with the source element to enable communication.
These inventive features focus on enabling switch functions via positional manipulation of RFID components using membranes or lever arms that selectively couple RFID tags with source elements, providing discrete enabled or disabled states for the tags. The claims detail structural and functional configurations to realize RFID-based switches communicative via interrogators.
Stated Advantages
Enables fine resolution RFID tracking without requiring batteries or direct tagging of small individual items.
Allows remote monitoring and determination of physical states such as presence, fill level, pressure, and positional information through RFID signals.
Switches provide discrete enabled or disabled RFID states through mechanical positioning, facilitating communication with processors for control and status detection.
Utilizes inexpensive, passive RFID components integrated with mechanical elements, reducing cost and complexity.
Documented Applications
Inventory management of small items such as pills or grains where individual RFID tag attachment is impractical.
Level detection of materials filling a volume or container.
RFID-enabled dispensers to determine fill levels and dispense counts.
Distributed pressure sensing including RFID-enabled pressure sensing gloves.
Pressure sensitive keypads using RFID tags on compressible substrates.
Switch apparatuses using RFID components to detect and communicate positional states for use as user input or status indicators.
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