RF tag for a mechanical component
An RFID tagging device is disclosed for metallic mechanical components. The device includes a support made of a non-metallic material. The support supports an RFID tag, such as a passive tag that may be applied to support as a decal or otherwise. The device may be secured to a mechanical component by any suitable fastener that may extend through a hole provided in the support. The support then holds the tag a sufficient distance from the component so that the metallic component itself does not interfere with the receipt or transmission of signals from the tag via the tag antenna.
1 . A radio frequency (RF) tagging device for a metallic mechanical component comprising:
a non-metallic support having an aperture formed therethrough for receiving a fastener to secure the tag to the mechanical component; and
an RF tag supported on the support and encoding at least identification information for the mechanical component to which the device is secured.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the support includes a generally toroidal body made of a synthetic plastic material.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the RF tag is adhesively applied to the support.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the RF tag is embedded in the support.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the RF tag is a passive tag that provides a unique identification code when excited by a reader.
6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the RF tag is generally rectangular in shape, and the support is a toroidal disk, whereby the RF tag is wrapped around the disk for isolation from the mechanical component and from the fastener.
7 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the RF tag is approximately 4 inches in length and the disk is approximately between 1 and 2 inches in diameter.
8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the RF tag returns a signal to a reader when excited at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, 915 MHz, or 2.4 GHz.
9 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the support spaces the tag at least approximately ⅛ inch from surrounding metal when the device is placed in service.
10 . A radio frequency (RF) tagging device for a mechanical component comprising:
a toroidal support made of a synthetic plastic material and having an aperture formed therethrough for receiving a fastener to secure the tag to the mechanical component; and
an RF tag wrapped around and adhesively affixed to the support and encoding at least identification information for the mechanical component to which the device is secured.
11 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the RF tag is a passive tag that provides a unique identification code when excited by a reader.
12 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the RF tag is approximately 4 inches in length and the disk is approximately 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
13 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the RF tag returns a signal to a reader when excited at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, 915 MHz, or 2.4 GHz.
14 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the support spaces the tag at least approximately ⅛ inch from surrounding metal when the device is placed in service.
15 . A radio frequency (RF) tagging kit for a mechanical component comprising:
a toroidal support made of a synthetic plastic material and having an aperture formed therethrough and a peripheral surface for receiving an RF tag;
a passive RF tag wrapped around and adhered to the peripheral surface, the tag encoding at least identification information; and
a fastener configured to be fitted through the aperture in the support and to be secured to a metallic mechanical component.
16 . The device of claim 15 , wherein support includes pair of lips adjacent to the peripheral surface for protecting the tag during use.
17 . The device of claim 15 , wherein the RF tag is approximately 4 inches in length and the disk is approximately 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
18 . The device of claim 15 , wherein the RF tag returns a signal to a reader when excited at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, 915 MHz, or 2.4 GHz.
19 . The device of claim 15 , wherein the support spaces the tag at least approximately ⅛ inch from surrounding metal when the device is placed in service.
20 . The device of claim 15 , wherein the fastener is a threaded fastener configured to be screwed into a mating threaded opening in the component.