WO2024083900A1

WO2024083900A1 - Device and method for the structural monitoring of an object

Info

Publication number: WO2024083900A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/078957
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jochen Kuhn
Original assignee: Shaw-Almex Industries Limited
Priority date: 2022-10-20
Filing date: 2023-10-18
Publication date: 2024-04-25
Also published as: DE102022127737A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for the structural monitoring of an object (6), comprising: - a first object component (6a) with an RFID transponder (2), which is designed to transmit data (N), and a first antenna (3), which is coupled to a first antenna input (2a) of the RFID transponder (2), and - a second object component (6b) with a second antenna (4), wherein the two object components (6a, 6b) have a specified determining position relative to each other, and the RFID transponder (2) and the second antenna (4) are arranged on the object component (6a, 6b) such that the second antenna (4) is coupled to a second antenna input (2b) of the RFID transponder (2) in a reversibly releasable manner in the determining position of the object components (6a, 6b). The invention additionally relates to a corresponding object, to a monitoring system, and to a monitoring method.

Description

System and method for structural monitoring of an object

The invention relates to a system and a method for structural monitoring of an object, in particular for measuring changes in length or distance or deformations or damages of an object or object systems.

Structural monitoring of objects is beneficial or necessary in many areas of daily life. Structural monitoring does not necessarily mean that all doors and windows in a building should be monitored for safety reasons, but also monitoring, for example, expansion joints in bridges, the integrity of conveyor belts or the complete loading of a vehicle.

There are many options for structural monitoring: monitoring by direct vision or, if necessary, by means of a camera, re-measurements, or sensors, e.g. light barriers, magnets and reed contacts or signal wires.

All of these options have the disadvantage that reading or measuring is always cumbersome. You either have to go to the location to carry out the measurement yourself, or to maintain sensors or equip them with new energy sources.

The object of the invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a system and a method for the structural monitoring of objects, which achieves optimal monitoring with a minimum of effort.

This object is achieved by a system according to claim 1, an object according to claim 7, a monitoring system according to claim 9 and a method according to claim 10.

A system according to the invention is used for structural monitoring of an object, in particular for measuring changes in length or distance or deformations or damage to an object or object systems. The objects can be buildings, e.g. bridges, vehicles, aircraft, roads, storage systems or conveyor belts, e.g. for rock, in particular for ore, gold or diamond extraction. The system according to the invention comprises the following components:

- a first object component with an RFID transponder designed to send data and a first antenna which is coupled to a first antenna input of the RFID transponder,

- a second object component with a second antenna, wherein the two object components have a predefined determination position relative to one another and the RFID transponder and the second antenna are arranged on or in the object components such that the second antenna is reversibly detachably coupled to a second antenna input of the RFID transponder in the determination position of the object components.

RFID transponders are widely known in the state of the art. RFID (radio frequency identification) refers to a technology for transmitter-receiver systems for automatic and contactless data exchange in the near field or far field, especially with UHF RFID.

Typically, an RFID transponder comprises a microchip (often in the millimeter range) and an antenna system. A power source is not necessary for passive transponders, as the power can be supplied externally via the antenna system using an RFID reader.

An RFID system normally comprises a number of RFID transponders, each of which contains at least identification information (“serial numbers”) and a number of RFID readers for reading the data from the RFID transponders (or “transponders” for short). A transponder is coupled to an RFID reader using alternating magnetic fields generated by the RFID reader within a short range or using high-frequency radio waves, which are used not only to transmit data but also to supply the transponder with energy. The RFID reader contains software that controls the actual reading process. Communication between transponders and RFID readers usually takes place in a defined frequency range, which is often subject to regional regulations. Frequency ranges that are particularly advantageous for the invention are “very high frequencies” (UHF, 300 MHz - 3 GHz), which can certainly have a long range. When transmitting data, the RFID transponder usually first sends its serial number (UID) and then, if necessary, further data using load modulation, i.e. it consumes part of the energy of the alternating field. The RFID reader can detect this.

The basic principle of the invention is based on a special use of the antenna system for data transmission. In the system according to the invention, the RFID transponder comprises two antennas (electrical conductors) which are coupled to its antenna inputs. The antennas are preferably band-shaped and are formed in particular from metal bands, e.g. from stainless steel. Alternatively, they can be formed from strands. However, one antenna can also be formed from a band and the other from a strand. The antennas preferably have a wave shape, which is advantageous for flexibility. If an antenna is band-shaped, the waves are preferably aligned along the surface normal of the band.

The coupling of the antennas (conductors) with the antenna connection can be electrically conductive, which does not just mean that the conductors have to be soldered to the antenna connections, but also that they can simply be placed, glued or clamped. The coupling of the conductors with the antenna connection can alternatively be capacitive, which means that there is no electrical line, but rather the conductor and antenna connection are insulated from each other, e.g. by a thin layer of glue or double-sided adhesive tape, and the signal is transmitted via a capacitance between the conductor and the antenna connection.

According to a preferred embodiment, the antennas are coupled to two flat contacts (the second antenna is reversibly detachable) that are formed on a circuit board. These contacts can be, for example, copper contacts on this circuit board. Each antenna is coupled to its own contact, for example the first antenna is soldered or welded to the contact and the second antenna is placed on top. The contacts are arranged on the circuit board so that they correspond to the arrangement of the antenna inputs of the RFID transponder. The RFID transponder is preferably shaped as an adhesive label and glued to the circuit board so that the antenna inputs are above the two contacts. Since the antennas are coupled to the contacts, it is preferred that the RFID transponder is glued to the side of the circuit board that faces away from the contacts. The coupling between contacts and antenna inputs is capacitive in this case. The system is preferably encapsulated, in particular for use in a conveyor belt. It can be cast in a plastic material (e.g. identical to the plastic material of a conveyor belt) or bonded between adhesive tapes, in particular Kapton tapes. The second antenna can be encapsulated separately from the rest of the system.

The system according to the invention is characterized in that the functional components RFID transponder and antennas are integrated in a special way in (or on) an object. A suitable object can be, for example, a conveyor belt, a vehicle or a building and has at least two object components. These object components can certainly be recognized as two different elements, such as a holder and a held object, or a door and its frame, but this does not necessarily have to be the case. The object components can also be connected to one another via a weakening line, e.g. an expansion joint that connects two parts of a building (the object components) to one another or a connecting seam. Since the method is intended to monitor the structure of the object, the location at which monitoring takes place can also define the object components alone. Where the RFID transponder with the first antenna is located is the first object component and where the second antenna is located is the second object component. For example, a seam in a conveyor belt can be monitored. The respective end pieces of the conveyor belt on this side and the other side of this seam are then the two object components, even if the seam can no longer be visually recognized.

The two object components have a predefined destination position relative to one another and are located adjacent to one another. Although the latter is not absolutely necessary, it should be noted that the RFID transponder in one object component and the second antenna in the other object component are arranged on the object components in such a way that the second antenna in the destination position of the object components is reversibly and detachably coupled to a second antenna input of the RFID transponder.

The term “reversibly detachable” means that the coupling to the RFID transponder can be released and restored by a simple movement (without repair). This can be achieved, for example, by not permanently connecting the second antenna to the second antenna input of the RFID transponder, but rather only rests on the surface. An electrically conductive coupling can also be achieved by resting on the surface, or at least a capacitive one. It is important that the second antenna does not break off from the antenna input of the RFID transponder when the two object components move relative to each other, but can then couple normally again.

For example, when monitoring the connecting seam of a conveyor belt, the RFID transponder with the first antenna on this side and the second antenna on the other side of the connecting seam can be incorporated into the structure of the conveyor belt (e.g. melted in) or glued onto it in such a way that the second antenna has conductive or capacitive contact with the antenna input of the RFID transponder across the connecting seam. When monitoring a door or a window, one functional part (e.g. the RFID transponder with the first antenna) is arranged in the frame and the other functional part (e.g. the second antenna) is arranged on or in the door leaf or window so that the second antenna has conductive or capacitive contact with the antenna input of the RFID transponder when the door or window is closed. When monitoring the presence of object components, e.g. emergency cases or life jackets, one functional part (e.g. the RFID transponder with the first antenna) is arranged in the holder of this object component and the other functional part (e.g. the second antenna) is arranged on the relevant object component (the emergency case or the life jacket), so that the second antenna has conductive or capacitive contact with the antenna input of the RFID transponder when this object component is correctly positioned.

An object according to the invention is in particular a conveyor belt, a vehicle (which also includes an aircraft) or a building, but can also be a road. Basically, the invention is advantageous for any object whose structure is to be monitored in some way. The object comprises a number of RFID transponders, each with a first antenna in or on a first object component, wherein each of the RFID transponders comprises a second antenna input and is arranged in or on the first object component in such a way that it can couple to a second antenna in or on a second object component, in particular in the area of a structural weakening line between the two object components or on removable parts as object components. In contrast to the system according to the invention, it is therefore not absolutely necessary here for the object to also necessarily comprise the second antenna. This includes the case where the second object component is an element that is exchangeable or removable, but the object is intended to be combined with the second object component. This means, for example, life jackets or emergency cases, which are essentially independent objects, but in an airplane, for example, the seats (objects) are intended to be equipped with life jackets or an ambulance (object) is intended to be equipped with an emergency case. Despite everything, the object must be designed in such a way that a second antenna arranged as intended in such a removable element can couple with the second antenna input of the RFID transponder when the element in question is in its intended position.

However, often the second object component and the second antenna are part of the object and this preferably comprises a number of systems according to the invention.

The functional components (RFID transponders, antennas) are preferably embedded in the respective object components, i.e. surrounded by their material, or applied to their surface. Embedding protects the functional components. For example, a strip can be cut out of the surface of the object (e.g. a conveyor belt), the functional components placed in the resulting recess and the cut-out element glued or vulcanized back in.

A monitoring system according to the invention for structural monitoring of an object comprises an object according to the invention or a system according to the invention. It should be noted here that in the case of removable elements, the monitoring system does not necessarily have to comprise the second object component (see explanations of the object according to the invention).

A method according to the invention for structural monitoring of an object, in particular a conveyor belt, a building, a vehicle or a storage system, with a monitoring system according to the invention comprises the following steps:

- Reading data, in particular at least the serial number, of an RFID transponder of the monitoring system with an RFID reader of the monitoring system, wherein the data of the RFID transponder are preferably read several times before the data of another RFID transponder are read, - Deriving a value for a structural change in the object from the number of data read out and/or from an RSSI value measured in addition to the readout.

The value for the structural change in the object can then be output or used to control an alarm device or system. For example, the value can simply be saved in a data set and used later for evaluation. However, an alarm can also be issued if a structural change (e.g. a crack) has occurred. In addition to or as an alternative to a warning, a process can be stopped, e.g. a conveyor belt can be stopped if one of the systems indicates a crack (due to a failure in the data transmission). The procedure can therefore include the additional step:

- Controlling a process and/or an alarm system by means of the value and/or outputting the value, in particular on a display device and/or in a storage device.

It should be noted that the serial number of a transponder can be read very quickly (often within a second). Although it is certainly possible to read or determine additional information such as the RSSI value (the Received Signal Strength Indicator; a measure of the reception field strength of wireless communication applications) or additional sensor information, the basic principle of the invention already works with a simple reading of the serial number.

If the second antenna is removed from the RFID transponder, the transmission is poor, which can be determined using the RSSI value. However, it is quicker to do so by reading the serial number. With a very simple monitoring principle, the absence of a "response" from an RFID transponder can be used to conclude that a disadvantageous situation has occurred, e.g. damage to the object. However, it may also be the case that, with a poor connection (e.g. poor coupling between the antenna and the RFID transponder), the RFID transponder has only sent data for a fraction of the RFID reader's requests. However, this fraction can already be used to derive a measure of the coupling between the antenna and the RFID transponder and thus the distance between the antenna and the RFID transponder. For example, a conveyor belt is designed according to a system according to the invention and has RFID transponders with antennas that run lengthways along the conveyor belt at regular intervals. An RFID reader reads the serial numbers of the RFID transponders. If one of the serial numbers is missing during the reading, which can be checked again during another rotation of the belt and/or by reading it multiple times, then it can be assumed that there is a transverse crack in the conveyor belt.

Cracks in a road can be easily detected by driving along the road with a vehicle that has an RFID reader attached to the bottom.

A bridge can have RFID transponders with antennas on its expansion joint, with the second antenna in particular capacitively coupled to the RFID transponder and attached to one side of the expansion joint and the RFID transponder and the first antenna on the other side. If the distance of the expansion joint increases, the antenna moves away from the RFID transponder and the data reading is increasingly disrupted. If you now drive over the expansion joint with the aforementioned vehicle with the RFID reader on the ground, the RFID transponder can be read multiple times, e.g. 10 times. However, if only 5 serial numbers are received during the reading, a certain distance of the expansion joint can be concluded, which is larger than if 8 serial numbers were received and smaller than if 3 serial numbers were received.

Further particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description, wherein the patent claims of a certain category can also be developed according to the dependent claims of another category and features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments.

According to a preferred system, the two object components are connected to one another in the determination position or are designed so that they can be brought into the determination position relative to one another via a predetermined movement and remain so. "Connected" means a fixed connection. The object components can be connected to one another as one component and only a theoretical division of the object components can take place (the area in which the second antenna is located is the second object component), or they can be interlocked with one another, glued or screwed. The alternative is that they are not connected to each other. In that case, however, they should otherwise be close to each other in a stable manner, which is what is meant by "remaining as is"). The "predetermined movement" in this case is the movement with which the object components are arranged in relation to each other as intended. For example, this can be done according to a construction plan. If, for example, components are designed according to the invention so that when they are correctly assembled, an RFID transponder with a first antenna is located in a first component (first object component) and couples with the second antenna in a further component (second object component), then the correct construction of a structure (the object) can be easily monitored. If components are not correctly aligned with each other, then the relevant RFID transponders will not send data because they are not coupled with the relevant antennas. In this case, however, they do not necessarily have to be components. The invention can also be used to monitor the proper presence of other object components that are intended to be in one place. For example, life jackets in airplanes, equipment in rescue vehicles or simply containers that have to be placed in predetermined positions can be monitored in this way. The RFID transponder is attached to a holder or simply a floor position (first object component) where the relevant second object component is positioned, and the second antenna is attached to the removable (second) object component. Of course, the arrangement of the RFID transponder and the second antenna can also be swapped, i.e. the RFID transponder can be in the replacement element.

The RFID transponder and the second antenna are arranged on the object components in such a way that the coupling of the second antenna with the second antenna input of the RFID transponder decreases when the object components move away from the determination position relative to one another, in particular due to an object movement or a deformation of one or both object components (i.e. if, for example, a crack occurs or an object component is removed). This can be used, for example, to monitor fatigue phenomena of connecting lines in buildings or of the equipment in rescue vehicles. Alternatively, the RFID transponder and the second antenna are preferably arranged on the object components in such a way that the coupling of the second antenna with the second antenna input of the RFID transponder decreases with increasing misalignment of the object components. to each other. This is advantageous for monitoring correct (especially seamless) assembly of structures.

According to a preferred system, the two object components are connected to one another in the determination position and the RFID transponder is arranged on one side of a weakening line and the second antenna is arranged on the other side of the weakening line (except for a coupling area with which it couples to the RFID transponder). The weakening line is in particular a connecting seam of the object components, an expansion joint between the object components or a predetermined breaking point of the object components, in particular a slicing seam of a conveyor belt, a joint in a building or a weld seam.

According to a preferred system, the two object components are shaped in such a way that they engage with one another in a form-fitting manner, in particular by means of rails or walls, and can be moved relative to one another into the intended position via the form-fitting arrangement. It is preferred that the first object component is a storage unit and the second object component is a removable element. The second object component can be, for example, a life jacket, an emergency hammer in trains or buses, a box or a suitcase, in particular a first aid kit, an aircraft container or part of the equipment in rescue vehicles.

The first object component is preferably a supporting structure of the object, e.g. a component or a structure that can bear an external load (e.g. a part of a conveyor belt) or a storage structure of the object. The second object component is preferably a further supporting structure or an element that can be removed as intended.

According to a preferred system, the two object components are shaped such that they can be rotated, folded or tilted relative to one another and can be brought into the intended position relative to one another via a rotational movement. It is preferred that one of the object components, in particular the second object component, is a flap, a door or a window, e.g. of a vehicle, a building or an aircraft, e.g. a flap to a luggage compartment.

A preferred system additionally comprises at least one sensor from the group

Temperature sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, acceleration sensors, Brightness sensors and magnetic field sensors. The system is preferably designed to send sensor data from at least one sensor via the RFID transponder. However, it should be noted that reading the sensor and sending its data could take a relatively long time. In this regard, it can be advantageous to send this data only a few times (e.g. only once or twice) and the serial number of the RFID transponder more frequently.

Since objects can be subject to wear and tear in addition to destruction, it is advantageous to embed several devices in the object at different distances from the surface of the object. This is particularly advantageous for conveyor belts (with regard to their transport surface). For example, recesses of different depths can be created in a conveyor belt or recesses can be provided with spacers of different thicknesses under the devices so that different devices can be arranged at different distances from the surface of the object, e.g. the conveyor belt. However, it is also possible to arrange devices one above the other in a recess. If the surface is now worn, the antennas closest to this surface are first separated from the RFID transponder by mechanical stress and/or flexing, which indicates wear.

Since the effect of walking is associated with an increasing amplitude as the thickness of the conveyor belt decreases, the effect can also occur that the RFID transponders that are closer to the surface can be read increasingly less easily, which can also be used as a measure of wear.

It is quite possible that objects do not have a homogeneous interior, but rather structures that serve to provide strength. For example, conveyor belts can have mats made of a fabric, e.g. glass fiber mats, in their interior (often in the middle) or wire ropes that are often arranged below the middle (seen from the conveyor surface). The devices can be arranged both above and below such a structure. Reading does not necessarily have to take place from the side facing away from the structure. The structure can also be located between the antenna and the RFID reader. As far as wire ropes are concerned, they can have a positive effect on signal transmission due to their reflective properties.

As far as fabric mats, especially glass fiber mats, are concerned, these can also have a positive effect on signal transmission. It is therefore preferable that the Device has a fabric mat on at least one side, which completely covers at least one of the antennas (in particular both) and preferably also the RFID transponder. Such a fabric mat can also have a beneficial effect on the stability of the device due to its mechanical properties.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures using exemplary embodiments. In the various figures, identical components are provided with identical reference numbers. The figures are generally not to scale. They show:

Figure 1 shows an example of a coupling of antennas with an RFID transponder,

Figure 2 shows an example of a system according to the invention, an object according to the invention and a monitoring system according to the invention,

Figure 3 shows an example of an object according to the invention and a system according to the invention in perspective view,

Figure 4 shows another example of an object according to the invention and a system according to the invention in plan view,

Figure 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the invention,

Figure 6 shows a practical application of the invention,

Figure 7 shows an example of an object according to the invention with devices according to the invention in side view.

Figure 1 shows an example of a coupling of antennas 3, 4 with an RFID transponder 2. This represents the functional component of a system 1 according to the invention, as shown, for example, in the following figures.

The upper picture shows the state in which the first antenna 3 and the second antenna 4 are coupled to the antenna inputs 2a, 2b of the RFID transponder 2. Even if the first antenna 3 can be firmly soldered to the RFID transponder 2, At least when coupling the second antenna 4 to the RFID transponder 2, care must be taken to ensure that this is coupled in a reversibly detachable manner, i.e. its coupling from the RFID transponder 2 can be released (e.g. by moving the second antenna 4 as shown in the lower picture) and can be re-established (as shown in the upper picture).

In contrast to the upper image, the lower image shows the functional component without a coupling of the second antenna 4 with the RFID transponder 2. As indicated on the right, data N can be received during a readout in the upper image, e.g. a serial number N of the RFID transponder 2, but not in the lower image, which is shown by a crossed-out data symbol.

Figure 2 shows an example of a system 1 according to the invention, an object 6 according to the invention and a monitoring system 8 according to the invention, wherein a functional structure comprising at least the RFID transponder 2 and the first antenna 3 is embedded in the object 1 (the second antenna 4 in the second object component 6b can be part of the object 6, but does not necessarily have to be, e.g. if it is a replacement component). The system 1 is formed from the functional component (antennas 3, 4 with an RFID transponder 2) and the two object components 6a, 6b, wherein the object components 6a, 6b represent parts or regions of an extended body which, together with the functional component, form an example of an object 6 according to the invention.

The case shown in the lower image of Figure 1 is shown, and in which the second antenna 4 is separated from the RFID transponder 2 because the two object components 6a, 6b have moved away from each other or have not yet been joined together. The RFID reader 7 indicated above as a box cannot therefore receive any data N from the RFID transponder, which then indicates the state shown that the two object components 6a, 6b are not in their intended position (at least not relative to each other) and, for example, there is a crack X between the two object components 6a, 6b.

Figure 3 shows an example of an object 6 according to the invention and a system 1 according to the invention in plan view. The object 6 is a conveyor belt 6 and comprises a number of functional components (RFID transponder 2 and antennas 3, 4) as shown in the previous figures. These functional components 2, 3, 4 are inserted into grooves R of the conveyor belt 6 and are secured by closing the grooves. R. In the case of conveyor belts 6 such as those used to transport coal or rock, this can be done, for example, by first cutting out a strip of the material of the conveyor belt 6 to form the groove R, then inserting the RFID transponders 2 and antennas 3, 4 and finally gluing or vulcanizing the cut-out strip back in. In this example, the object components 6a, 6b are areas of the conveyor belt 6 on either side of a connecting seam.

Figure 4 shows a further example of an object 6 according to the invention and a system 1 according to the invention, which can be a conveyor belt 6, as shown in Figure 3, but with several functional components and a crack X in the middle. Due to this crack X, the coupling of the antenna 4 at the middle RFID transponder 2 has come loose and this RFID transponder 2 would not send any data N when read by an RFID reader 7 as shown in Figure 2 (e.g. Figure 1).

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for structural monitoring of an object 6 with a monitoring system 8 as shown, for example, in Figure 2.

In step I, data N, here possibly only a serial number N, of an RFID transponder 2 of one of the systems 1 of the monitoring system 8 is read out using an RFID reader 7 of the monitoring system 8. The data N can be read out several times from the RFID transponder 2 before the data N of another RFID transponder 2 is read out.

In step II, a value W for a structural change in the object 6 is derived from the number of data N read out. Other data can also be read out for this purpose, e.g. an RSSI value. However, it is sufficient to simply determine how often a serial number N has been reported back (e.g. not once: "There is a defect", less than readout attempts: "There could be an impairment").

In step III, this value is saved for later investigations or statistics and is used to issue a warning if it is detected that a critical condition exists, e.g. if a serial number N of an RFID transponder could not be received. It should be noted that in a conveyor belt 6, the RFID transponders 2 are regularly and repeatedly guided past the RFID reader 7, so that a certain statistical evaluation is possible. In a monitored road or bridge, an RFID reader 7 can simply be mounted on the floor of a vehicle and this can be driven over several times for statistical purposes.

Figure 6 shows a practical application of the invention. It shows a row of seats in an airplane or ship with life jackets (second object component 6b) that are arranged in holders (first object component 6a) under the individual seats. Each holder is equipped with a first antenna 3 and an RFID transponder 2, each life jacket with a second antenna 4 that is arranged so that it couples with the RFID transponder when the life jacket is properly arranged in the holder. A single seat with functional component, holder, RFID transponder 2 and first antenna 3 can be regarded as an object 6 according to the invention (since the life jackets are interchangeable), the holder with life jacket (with antennas 3, 4 and RFID transponder 2) as a system 1 according to the invention. The serial numbers N of the RFID transponders 2 can be read out using an RFID reader 7 that is guided past the row of seats, as shown here on the middle seat.

The life jacket is missing from the right seat. If the RFID reader 7 were to pass this seat (indicated by a dashed line), no serial number N of the relevant RFID transponder 2 could be read (hence the corresponding symbol being crossed out).

In this way, simply by walking around the aircraft or ship, it is possible to determine whether all seats are properly equipped with life jackets. This can be done by assigning a predefined serial number N to each seat and then checking after the walk-through whether all serial numbers N have been received by the RFID reader, or the RFID reader can be equipped with a position sensor and check whether it has received a (possibly arbitrary) serial number N at predefined positions. The latter alternative is suitable for carrying out checks when serial numbers N are unknown but destinations are known.

Figure 7 shows an example of an object 6 according to the invention in the form of a conveyor belt 6 with devices 1 according to the invention in a side view. The devices 1 are located at different depths of the conveyor belt 6. The devices 1 located on top are the first to be removed when the conveyor surface (here in the picture above) becomes worn. destroyed. This allows a degree of wear to be specified. As can be seen in the picture, devices 1 can also be arranged directly on top of each other.

Finally, it should be pointed out once again that the devices described in detail above are merely exemplary embodiments which can be modified in a variety of ways by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that the features in question may be present multiple times. Likewise, terms such as "element" or "system" do not exclude the possibility that these may consist of several, possibly spatially separated, subunits. The expression "a number" is to be understood as meaning that the number is greater than zero (i.e. as "at least one").

List of reference symbols

1 system

2 RFID transponders 2a antenna connection

2b Antenna connection

3 conductors / antenna

4 conductors / antenna

5 Dielectric 6 Object / Conveyor belt

6a Object component

6b Object component

7 RFID reader

8 Monitoring system N Serial number / data

R groove

W Value

X Crack

Claims

Patent claims

1. System (1) for structural monitoring of an object (6) comprising:

- a first object component (6a) with an RFID transponder (2) designed to transmit data (N) and a first antenna (3) which is coupled to a first antenna input (2a) of the RFID transponder (2),

- a second object component (6b) with a second antenna (4), wherein the two object components (6a, 6b) have a predefined determination position relative to one another and the RFID transponder (2) and the second antenna (4) are arranged on or in the object components (6a, 6b) such that the second antenna (4) is reversibly detachably coupled to a second antenna input (2b) of the RFID transponder (2) in the determination position of the object components (6a, 6b).

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the two object components (6a, 6b) are connected to one another in the determination position or are designed so that they can be brought into the determination position relative to one another via a predetermined movement and remain so, wherein the RFID transponder (2) and the second antenna (4) are arranged on the object components (6a, 6b) in such a way that the coupling of the second antenna (4) to the second antenna input (2b) of the RFID transponder (2)

- decreases when the object components (6a, 6b) move away from the determination position relative to one another, at least by an object movement or a deformation of one or both object components (6a, 6b) or

- decreases with increasing misalignment of the object components (6a, 6b) to each other.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two object components (6a, 6b) are connected to one another in the determination position and the RFID transponder (2) is arranged on one side of a weakening line and the second antenna (4) is arranged on the other side of the weakening line except for a coupling region with which it couples to the RFID transponder (2), wherein the weakening line is a connecting seam of the object components (6a, 6b), an expansion joint between the object components (6a, 6b) or a predetermined breaking point of the object components (6a, 6b), in particular a slicing seam of a conveyor belt, a joint in a building or a weld seam.

4. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two object components (6a, 6b) are shaped such that they engage with one another in a form-fitting manner, in particular by means of rails or walls, and can be displaced relative to one another into the intended position via the form-fitting arrangement, preferably wherein the first object component (6a) is a storage unit and the second object component (6b) is a removable element, in particular a life jacket, a box or a suitcase.

5. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two object components (6a, 6b) are shaped such that they are rotatable, foldable or tiltable relative to one another and can be brought into the designated position via a rotational movement relative to one another, preferably wherein one of the object components (6a, 6b), in particular the second object component (6b), is a flap, a door or a window.

6. System according to one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising at least one sensor from the group of temperature sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, acceleration sensors, brightness sensors and magnetic field sensors, wherein the system (1) is designed to send sensor data of the at least one sensor via the RFID transponder (2).

7. Object (6), in particular a conveyor belt, a vehicle or a building, comprising a number of RFID transponders (2), each with a first antenna (3) in or on a first object component (6a), wherein each of the RFID transponders (2) comprises a second antenna input (2b) and is arranged in or on the first object component (6a) in such a way that it can couple to a second antenna (4) in or on a second object component (6b), in particular in the region of a structural weakening line between the two object components (6a, 6b) or on removable parts as object components (6a, 6b).

8. Object according to claim 7, wherein the first object component (6a) is a supporting structure of the object (6) or a storage structure of the object (6), wherein the object preferably comprises a number of systems (1) according to one of the preceding claims and wherein a second object component (6b) is preferably a further supporting structure or an intended removable element, in particular a first aid kit, a container or a life jacket.

9. Monitoring system (8) for structural monitoring of an object (6), the monitoring system (8) comprising

- an RFID reader (7) and

- an object (6) according to claim 7 or 8 or a number of systems (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

10. Method for structural monitoring of an object (6), in particular a conveyor belt, a building, a vehicle or a storage system, with a monitoring system (8) according to claim 9, the method comprising the steps: - reading data (N), in particular at least one serial number (N), of an RFID transponder (2) of the monitoring system (8) with an RFID reader (7) of the monitoring system (8), wherein the data (N) of the RFID transponder (2) are preferably read out several times before the data (N) of another RFID transponder (2) are read out, - deriving a value (W) for a structural change in the object (6) from the number of data (N) read out and/or from an RSSI value measured in addition to the readout.