Filter cartridge

A filter cartridge includes a radio frequency identification tag positioned at an outer surface of a casing. The radio frequency identification tag includes an antenna and an integrated circuit. The antenna, the integrated circuit or both the antenna and the integrated circuit are fixedly connected to one or more of the casing, a water absorbent material and a fiber fabric positioned over the radio frequency identification tag on the outer surface of the casing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to water filters with RFID systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain water filter assemblies include a manifold and a filter cartridge. The manifold directs unfiltered water into the filter cartridge and filtered water out of the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge includes a filter medium, such as an activated carbon block, a pleated polymer sheet, a spun cord material, or a melt blown material. The filter medium is positioned within the filter cartridge and filters water passing therethrough.

Over time, the filter medium will lose effectiveness. For example, pores of the filter medium can become clogged or the filter medium can become saturated with contaminants. To insure that the filtering medium has not exceeded its filtering capacity, the filtering medium is preferably replaced or serviced at regular intervals regardless of its current performance. To permit replacement or servicing of the filter medium or the filter cartridge, the filter cartridge is generally removably mounted to the manifold.

Water leaks can form or develop at an interface or connection between the filter cartridge and the manifold, such as where the filter cartridge mounts to the manifold. As an example, such leaks can develop if the water filter assembly is installed incorrectly or is exposed to relatively high water pressures or freezing conditions. Such leaks can negatively affect operation of the water filter assembly and/or the refrigerator appliance and can cause damage if not prevented. Such leaks can also be difficult to detect. In particular, water filter assemblies are often positioned in relatively remote locations within refrigerator appliances such that visually monitoring the water filter assemblies for leaks can be difficult or infrequent. Similar problems can make detecting liquid water and water leaks difficult in other circumstances and locations as well.

Accordingly, a filter cartridge with features for detecting liquid, such as liquid water, would be useful. In particular, a filter cartridge with tamper resistant features for detecting liquid, such as liquid water, would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a filter cartridge with a radio frequency identification tag positioned at an outer surface of a casing. The radio frequency identification tag includes an antenna and an integrated circuit. The antenna, the integrated circuit or both the antenna and the integrated circuit are fixedly connected to one or more of the casing, a water absorbent material and a fiber fabric positioned over the radio frequency identification tag on the outer surface of the casing. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first example embodiment, a filter cartridge is provided. The filter cartridge includes a casing. A filter medium is positioned within the casing. A radio frequency identification tag is positioned at an outer surface of the casing. The radio frequency identification tag includes an antenna and an integrated circuit. A water absorbent material is positioned proximate the radio frequency identification tag such that signal communication of the radio frequency identification tag is disrupted when liquid water is disposed within the water absorbent material. A water impermeable material is positioned over the water absorbent material and the radio frequency identification tag on the outer surface of the casing. The antenna, the integrated circuit or both the antenna and the integrated circuit are adhered to one or more of the casing, the water absorbent material and a fiber fabric positioned over the radio frequency identification tag on the outer surface of the casing.

In a second example embodiment, a filter cartridge is provided. The filter cartridge includes a casing. A filter medium is positioned within the casing. A radio frequency identification tag is positioned at an outer surface of the casing. The radio frequency identification tag includes an antenna and an integrated circuit. A water absorbent material is positioned proximate the radio frequency identification tag such that signal communication of the radio frequency identification tag is disrupted when liquid water is disposed within the water absorbent material. A water impermeable material is positioned over the water absorbent material and the radio frequency identification tag on the outer surface of the casing. The antenna, the integrated circuit or both the antenna and the integrated circuit are fixedly connected to one or more of the casing and the water absorbent material.

In a third example embodiment, a filter cartridge is provided. The filter cartridge includes a casing. A filter medium is positioned within the casing. A radio frequency identification tag is positioned at an outer surface of the casing. The radio frequency identification tag includes an antenna and an integrated circuit. A fiber reinforced water absorbent material is positioned proximate the radio frequency identification tag such that signal communication of the radio frequency identification tag is disrupted when liquid water is disposed within the fiber reinforced water absorbent material. A water impermeable material is positioned over the fiber reinforced water absorbent material and the radio frequency identification tag on the outer surface of the casing. The antenna, the integrated circuit or both the antenna and the integrated circuit are fixedly connected to the fiber reinforced water absorbent material.

In a fourth example embodiment, a filter cartridge is provided. The filter cartridge includes a casing. A filter medium is positioned within the casing. A radio frequency identification tag is positioned at an outer surface of the casing. The radio frequency identification tag includes an antenna and an integrated circuit. A water absorbent material is positioned proximate the radio frequency identification tag such that signal communication of the radio frequency identification tag is disrupted when liquid water is disposed within the water absorbent material. A fiber fabric is positioned over the radio frequency identification tag on the outer surface of the casing. A water impermeable material is positioned over the water absorbent material and the radio frequency identification tag on the outer surface of the casing. The antenna, the integrated circuit or both the antenna and the integrated circuit are fixedly connected to the fiber fabric.

In a fifth example embodiment, a filter cartridge is provided. The filter cartridge includes a casing. A filter medium is positioned within the casing. A radio frequency identification tag is positioned at an outer surface of the casing. The radio frequency identification tag includes an antenna and an integrated circuit. The antenna, the integrated circuit or both the antenna and the integrated circuit are adhered to the casing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance100according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.FIG. 2provides a front, elevation view of refrigerator appliance100with refrigerator doors126and128of refrigerator appliance100shown in an open position to reveal a fresh food chamber122of refrigerator appliance100. Refrigerator appliance100defines a vertical direction V, and a lateral direction L. The vertical direction V and lateral direction L are perpendicular. Refrigerator appliance100extends between an upper portion101and a lower portion102along the vertical direction V. Refrigerator appliance100also extends between a first side portion105and a second side portion106along the lateral direction L.

Refrigerator appliance100includes a cabinet120that defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, refrigerator appliance100defines fresh food chamber122at upper portion101of refrigerator appliance100and a freezer chamber124arranged below fresh food chamber122on the vertical direction V, e.g., at lower portion102of refrigerator appliance100. As such, refrigerator appliance100is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator appliance. However, using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that the present subject matter may be used with other types of refrigerator appliances (e.g., side-by-side style or top mount style) or a freezer appliance as well. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present subject matter to any particular chilled chamber arrangement.

Refrigerator doors126and128are rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet120for accessing fresh food chamber122. In particular, cabinet120defines an opening121. Opening121of cabinet120permits access to fresh food chamber122of cabinet120. Refrigerator doors126and128are positioned at opening121of cabinet120and permit selective access to fresh food chamber122of cabinet120through opening121of cabinet120, e.g., by rotating between the open and closed positions. A freezer door130is arranged below refrigerator doors126and128for accessing freezer chamber124. Freezer door130is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber124.

Refrigerator appliance100also includes a dispensing assembly110for dispensing water and/or ice. Dispensing assembly110includes a dispenser114positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance100, e.g., on refrigerator door126. Dispenser114includes a discharging outlet134for accessing ice and water. A sensor132, such as an ultrasonic sensor, is mounted below discharging outlet134for operating dispenser114. In alternative example embodiments, any suitable actuator may be used to operate dispenser114. For example, dispenser114can include a paddle or button rather than sensor132. A user interface panel136is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, user interface panel136includes a water dispensing button (not labeled) and an ice-dispensing button (not labeled) for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice.

Discharging outlet134and sensor132are an external part of dispenser114and are mounted in a dispenser recess138defined in an outside surface of refrigerator door126. Dispenser recess138is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to access freezer chamber124. In the example embodiment, dispenser recess138is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Turning now toFIG. 2, certain components of dispensing assembly110are illustrated. Dispensing assembly110includes an insulated housing142mounted within fresh food chamber122. Due to the insulation which encloses insulated housing142, the temperature within insulated housing142can be maintained at levels different from the ambient temperature in the surrounding fresh food chamber122.

Insulated housing142is constructed and arranged to operate at a temperature that facilitates producing and storing ice. More particularly, insulated housing142contains an ice maker (not shown) for creating ice and feeding the same to a container160that is mounted on refrigerator door126. As illustrated inFIG. 2, container160is placed at a vertical position on refrigerator door126that will allow for the receipt of ice from a discharge opening162located along a bottom edge164of insulated housing142. As refrigerator door126is closed or opened, container160is moved in and out of position under insulated housing142.

Refrigerator appliance100also includes a water filter assembly170. Water filter assembly170can filter water from a water supply (not shown), such as a municipal water source or a well. Water filter assembly170can remove contaminants and other undesirable substances from water passing therethrough. As used herein, the term “water” includes purified water and solutions or mixtures containing water and, e.g., elements (such as calcium, chlorine, and fluorine), salts, bacteria, nitrates, organics, and other chemical compounds or substances.

Water filter assembly170is mounted to cabinet120. In particular, water filter assembly170is mounted to refrigerator door126in the example embodiment shown inFIG. 2. However, it should be understood that water filter assembly170can be positioned at any other suitable location within refrigerator appliance100in alternative example embodiments. For example, water filter assembly170may be mounted to refrigerator door128, to cabinet120within fresh food chamber122, or to cabinet120below freezer chamber124in alternative example embodiments. Thus, the position of water filter assembly170shown inFIG. 2is not intended to limit the present subject matter in any aspect and is provided by way of example only.

Refrigerator appliance100also includes a valve172as schematically shown inFIG. 2. Valve172is configured for regulating a flow of water to water filter assembly170. In particular, valve172can selectively shift between a closed position and an open position. Valve172permits the flow of water to water filter assembly170in the open position. Thus, with valve172in the open position, water for filtering is supplied to water filter assembly170. Conversely, valve172obstructs or blocks the flow of water to water filter assembly170in the closed position. Thus, with valve172in the closed position, water for filtering is not supplied to water filter assembly170or is supplied to water filter assembly170in an insubstantial volume. In such a manner, valve172can regulate the flow of water to water filter assembly170by shifting between the open and closed positions.

FIG. 3provides a front elevation view of a water filter assembly200according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. Water filter assembly200can be used in any suitable appliance. For example, water filter assembly200may be used in refrigerator appliance100(FIG. 2) as water filter assembly170(FIG. 2). As discussed in greater detail below, water filter assembly200is configured for filtering water passing therethrough. In such a manner, water filter assembly200can provide filtered water to various components of refrigerator appliance100, such as dispensing assembly110or the ice maker (not shown) within insulated housing142. Water filter assembly200may also be used to filter water at any other suitable location. For example, water filter assembly200may be utilized as a point-of-entry water filter for a building or residence. As another example, water filter assembly200may be utilized as a point-of-use water filter for a faucet, a water fountain, etc.

As may be seen inFIG. 3, water filter assembly200includes a housing210. Housing210extends between a top portion212and a bottom portion214, e.g., along the vertical direction V. As an example, housing210can be mounted to any suitable portion of refrigerator appliance100in order to mount water filter assembly200to refrigerator appliance100. For example, housing210may be mounted to refrigerator door126or cabinet120. In particular, housing210may be encased within or engage insulating foam (not shown) of cabinet120to mount water filter assembly200to refrigerator appliance100. As another example, housing210may be mounted to a wall of building or residence, e.g., when water filter assembly200is utilized as a point-of-entry water filter.

Water filter assembly200also includes a manifold220. Manifold220is mounted to housing210. Manifold220is configured for receiving unfiltered water and directing filtered water out of water filter assembly200. In particular, manifold220includes an inlet conduit221that defines an inlet222. Inlet222receives unfiltered water, e.g., from a water source (not shown) such as a municipal water supply or a well. Manifold220also includes an outlet conduit223that defines an outlet224. Outlet224directs filtered water out of water filter assembly200. Thus, manifold220receives unfiltered water at inlet222. Such unfiltered water passes through water filter assembly200and exits manifold220at outlet224as filtered water.

As shown inFIG. 3, water filter assembly200includes a filter canister or filter cartridge230for filtering unfiltered water received at inlet222of manifold220. Thus, filter cartridge230filters water passing through water filter assembly200. Filter cartridge230extends between a first end portion232and a second end portion234, e.g., along the lateral direction L. A connection236of filter cartridge230is positioned at or proximate first end portion232of filter cartridge230. Connection236of filter cartridge230is configured for engaging manifold220, e.g., in order to removably mount filter cartridge230to manifold220.

Connection236of filter cartridge230also places filter cartridge230in fluid communication with manifold220when filter cartridge230is mounted to manifold220. Thus, filter cartridge230can receive unfiltered water from inlet222of manifold220at connection236and direct such unfiltered water into a chamber231defined by a casing235of filter cartridge230when filter cartridge230is mounted to manifold220. Water within chamber231can pass through a filtering medium233positioned within chamber231and can exit chamber231as filtered water. In particular, connection236of filter cartridge230can direct filtered water out of chamber231to outlet224of manifold220when filter cartridge230is mounted to manifold220. In such a manner, filtering medium233of filter cartridge230can filter a flow of water through water filter assembly200. Such filtering can improve taste and/or safety of water.

Filtering medium233can include any suitable mechanism for filtering water within water filter assembly200. For example, filtering medium233may include an activated carbon block, a reverse osmosis membrane, a pleated polymer or cellulose sheet, or a melt blown or spun cord medium. As used herein, the term “unfiltered” describes water that is not filtered relative to filtering medium233. However, water filter assembly200may include additional filters that filter water entering chamber231. Thus, “unfiltered” may be filtered relative to other filters but not filtering medium233.

Filtering medium233of filter cartridge230can lose efficacy over time. Thus, a user can replace filter cartridge and/or filtering medium233of filter cartridge230at regular intervals or after a certain volume of water has passed through filter cartridge230. To replace filter cartridge230and/or filtering medium233of filter cartridge230, the user can remove or disconnect filter cartridge230from manifold220and insert or mount a new filter cartridge230or filtering medium233of filter cartridge230.

Water filter assembly200can be exposed to a variety of conditions within that can negatively affect performance of water filter assembly200. For example, high water pressure at inlet222of manifold220and/or connection236of filter cartridge230or exposing water filter assembly200to freezing conditions can negatively affect performance of water filter assembly200. Such conditions can cause water filter assembly200to leak, e.g., at connection236of filter cartridge230. Such conditions can also cause water filter assembly200to deform or crack. As discussed in greater detail below, water filter assembly200includes features for detecting such malfunctions of water filter assembly200.

FIG. 4provides a perspective view of filter cartridge230of water filter assembly200.FIGS. 5 and 6provide elevation views of filter cartridge230. As may be seen inFIGS. 4, 5 and 6, water filter assembly200includes a system240for detecting liquid water. It should be understood that system240can be used to detect liquid water and/or water leaks in any other suitable setup or arrangement in alternative example embodiments. Thus, while described in the context of water filter assembly200, system240may be used to detect water leaks from any suitable container, vessel, pipe or conduit or to detect liquid water in the container, vessel, pipe or conduit or on the surface in alternative example embodiments.

As may be seen inFIG. 4, system240includes a radio frequency identification reader or RFID reader242(shown schematically). System240also includes a radio frequency identification tag or RFID tag244, e.g., positioned on casing235opposite filtering medium233. RFID reader242is configured for receiving a signal from RFID tag244. Thus, RFID reader242and RFID tag244can be in signal communication with each other. For example, RFID reader242and RFID tag244may be in signal communication with each other as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,366,388 entitled “A Refrigerator Appliance and A Method For Monitoring A Water Filter Assembly Within The Same” and/or U.S. Pat. No. 9,274,020 entitled “A System And A Method For Detecting Liquid Water,” both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

In certain example embodiments, RFID tag244is a passive RFID tag. Thus, RFID reader242can receive a radio signal from RFID tag244in response to a query or request signal from RFID reader242. In particular, RFID tag244can generate or transmit the response radio signal utilizing energy transmitted, e.g., wirelessly, to RFID tag244from RFID reader242via the query or request signal from RFID reader242. Thus, RFID tag244need not include a battery or other power source in order to generate or transmit the response radio signal. In other example embodiments, RFID tag244is an active RFID tag and includes a battery or is connected to a suitable power source. Thus, RFID tag244can continuously or intermittently generate or transmit a signal that RFID reader242can receive. RFID reader242and RFID tag244can have any other suitable setup or configuration for placing RFID reader242and RFID tag244in signal communication with each other. Thus, RFID reader242may be passive or active, and RFID tag244may be passive or active depending upon the desired setup of system240.

Signal communication between RFID reader242and RFID tag244is affected by a variety of factors. For example, signal communication between RFID reader242and RFID tag244can be limited or terminated if a gap between RFID reader242and RFID tag244is increased. RFID reader242and RFID tag244can also be tuned such that signal communication between RFID reader242and RFID tag244is established with a particular transmission medium, such as air, disposed between RFID reader242and RFID tag244, e.g., within the gap between RFID reader242and RFID tag244. Thus, the signal communication between RFID reader242and RFID tag244can be disrupted or terminated if the transmission medium changes and another material is positioned between RFID reader242and RFID tag244. For example, if water is positioned between RFID reader242and RFID tag244, the signal communication between RFID reader242and RFID tag244can be terminated or disrupted. In particular, liquid water can absorb radio waves and thereby terminate or disrupt signal communication between RFID reader242and RFID tag244. Liquid water can also affect transmission and reception of radio waves by antennas of RFID reader242and/or RFID tag244. As discussed in greater detail below, when signal communication between RFID reader242and RFID tag244is disrupted, lost or terminated, it can be inferred that liquid water is disposed between RFID reader242and RFID tag244(e.g., that liquid water is disposed within the gap between RFID reader242and RFID tag244). For example, when signal communication between RFID reader242and RFID tag244is interrupted, it can be inferred that water filter assembly200is leaking or otherwise malfunctioning.

System240also include features for wicking liquid from a liquid collection location to RFID tag244. Thus, RFID tag244may detect liquid water and/or water leaks despite RFID tag244being spaced apart or remotely located from the liquid collection location. As an example, RFID tag244may be positioned above a pool of liquid, e.g., along the vertical direction V, formed by liquid leaking from filter cartridge230and/or connection236of filter cartridge230and manifold220. The liquid can be wicked upwardly to RFID tag244in order to disrupt or terminate the signal communication between RFID reader242and RFID tag244.

As may be seen inFIG. 6, system240includes a hydroscopic or absorbent material260. Absorbent material260extends between a first end portion262and a second end portion264, e.g., along the vertical direction V. First and second end portions262and264of absorbent material260are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the vertical direction V and/or circumferentially on filter cartridge230. Thus, first and second end portions262and264of absorbent material260may be positioned at separate locations, and absorbent material260may wick or otherwise transfer liquid between the first and second end portions262and264of absorbent material260. As an example, first end portion262of absorbent material260may be positioned at a liquid collection location. Conversely, second end portion264of absorbent material260may be positioned at or over RFID tag244. Thus, second end portion264of absorbent material260and RFID tag244may be spaced apart from the liquid collection location, and absorbent material260may wick or otherwise transfer liquid from the liquid collection location to the RFID tag244. In such a manner, absorbent material260may assist with permitting RFID tag244to be positioned remotely relative to the liquid collection location, and, thereby, permit detection of liquid with system240at locations where RFID tag244cannot be directly positioned.

Absorbent material260may be any suitable absorbent material. For example, absorbent material260may be or include cellulose foam, paper or synthetic foam. In addition, an electrolyte may be disposed within absorbent material260. Thus, absorbent material260may be doped with the electrolyte. Any suitable electrolyte may be disposed within absorbent material260. For example, a water soluble electrolyte, such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride or potassium sulfate, may be disposed within absorbent material260. It will be understood that absorbent material260need not be a single, continuous piece of material. Thus, e.g., absorbent material260may be constructed of or with a plurality of absorbent pieces positioned adjacent each other.

As discussed above, RFID tag244may be inoperable or signal communication between RFID tag244and RFID reader242may be diminished, e.g., if liquid is disposed within absorbent material260at second end portion264of absorbent material260. For example, liquid within absorbent material260at second end portion264of absorbent material260may short out the antenna of RFID tag244. As another example, a resistance of absorbent material260can decrease (e.g., due to the electrolyte therein dissolving) thereby putting a load on the antenna of RFID tag244. As the resistance drops, the load can increase until the load drains sufficient power from RFID tag244such that RFID tag244is disabled or deactivated and signal communication between RFID reader242and RFID tag244is disrupted or terminated. Further, when absorbent material260is wet, e.g., such that the electrolyte within absorbent material260is dissolved, the capacitance of the antenna of RFID tag244may be a second capacitance value. The second capacitance value can be selected such that the signal communication between RFID reader242and RFID tag244is disrupted or terminated due to the associated change in the resonant frequency of RFID tag244.

As may be seen inFIG. 4, system240also includes an impermeable material270. Impermeable material270may be positioned over RFID tag244and/or absorbent material260. As an example, impermeable material270may be mounted to filter cartridge230at outer surface238of filter cartridge230. Thus, impermeable material270may assist with mounting or securing RFID tag244and/or absorbent material260to filter cartridge230.

Impermeable material270defines a passage272therethrough. Passage272permits liquid to flow through impermeable material270, e.g., to absorbent material260disposed below impermeable material270. As an example, passage272of impermeable material270may be positioned at or adjacent the liquid collection location, and first end portion262of absorbent material260may be positioned at or adjacent passage272of impermeable material270. Thus, impermeable material270may be positioned between the liquid collection location and absorbent material260, and passage272may permit liquid to flow through impermeable material270to absorbent material260. In particular, absorbent material260may be configured or positioned for wicking liquid from passage272of impermeable material270at first end portion262of absorbent material260to second end portion264of absorbent material260and RFID tag244. Thus, impermeable material270may assist with hindering or preventing absorbent material260from collecting or absorbing liquid from locations other than the liquid collection location. In particular, passage272may be the only location at which liquid can pass through impermeable material270to absorbent material260. Thus, impermeable material270may seal or encase RFID tag244and absorbent material260on casing235of filter cartridge230such that RFID tag244only deactivates in response to liquid passing through impermeable material270to absorbent material260.

Impermeable material270may be constructed of or with any suitable impermeable material270. For example, impermeable material270may be constructed of or with a material that is impermeable to the liquid being detected by system240. In certain example embodiments, impermeable material270may be a, e.g., flexible, plastic film or layer. In addition, impermeable material270may further include an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, disposed on the plastic film. Thus, impermeable material270may act as a sticker or tape to assist with mounting absorbent material260and RFID tag244to a surface. In such a manner, system240may be easily mountable at or adjacent a liquid collection location.

As discussed in greater detail below, system240also includes features for assisting with fixedly connecting components of system240to one or more of casing235, absorbent material260and a fiber fabric270. Thus, system240may be reliably and/or permanently attached to filter cartridge230. In such a manner, performance of filter cartridge230may be improved, and/or defacement of filter cartridge230may be limited. As may be seen inFIGS. 8 through 15, RFID tag244includes a substrate250, an antenna252and an integrated circuit254. Antenna252, integrated circuit254or both antenna252and integrated circuit254may be fixedly connected to one or more of casing235, absorbent material260and fiber fabric270. As used herein, the term “fixedly connected” means permanently or non-removably connected such that antenna252and/or integrated circuit254detach from substrate250and RFID tag244is rendered inoperable if system240is removed from filter cartridge. Thus, RFID tag244may be tamperproof or tamper resistant in order to limit undesirable modification of filter cartridge230.

FIGS. 8 through 15provide various section views of system240with respective arrangements for fixedly connecting antenna252, integrated circuit254or both antenna252and integrated circuit254to one or more of casing235, absorbent material260and fiber fabric270. It will be understood that the arrangements for fixedly connecting components of system240to one or more of casing235, absorbent material260and fiber fabric270shown inFIGS. 8 through 15are provided by way of example only and that other arrangements and combination of arrangements may be provided in alternative example embodiments. Each example arrangement for fixedly connecting antenna252, integrated circuit254or both antenna252and integrated circuit254to one or more of casing235, absorbent material260and fiber fabric270is discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 8provides a section view of a first example arrangement300of system240. InFIG. 8, integrated circuit254is adhered to casing235, and adhesive256extends between integrated circuit254and casing235. Thus, e.g., integrated circuit254may detach from substrate250, e.g., and remain attached to casing235, if RFID is removed from filter cartridge230. Integrated circuit254may be positioned opposite antenna252on substrate250. Absorbent material260may be positioned on and/or contact antenna252. Thus, liquid water in absorbent material260may deactivate antenna252, as discussed in greater detail above. Impermeable material270may be positioned over or on absorbent material260, e.g., opposite absorbent material260.

FIG. 9provides a section view of a second example arrangement400of system240. InFIG. 9, antenna252is adhered to casing235, and adhesive256extends between antenna252and casing235. Thus, e.g., antenna252may detach from substrate250, e.g., and remain attached to casing235, if RFID is removed from filter cartridge230. Antenna252may be positioned opposite integrated circuit254on substrate250. Absorbent material260may be positioned on and/or contact antenna252. Thus, liquid water in absorbent material260may deactivate antenna252, as discussed in greater detail above. Absorbent material260may also be positioned on or contact casing235. Thus, e.g., adhesive256may contact a portion of antenna252, and absorbent material260may cover the remainder of antenna252. Impermeable material270may be positioned over or on integrated circuit254, e.g., opposite absorbent material260.

FIG. 10provides a section view of a third example arrangement500of system240. InFIG. 10, antenna252is adhered to a mesh or fiber fabric280, and adhesive256extends between antenna252and fiber fabric280. In addition, adhesive256extends between fiber fabric280and casing235such that fiber fabric280is adhered to casing235. Thus, e.g., antenna252may detach from substrate250, e.g., and remain attached to fiber fabric280, if RFID is removed from filter cartridge230. Integrated circuit254may be positioned opposite antenna252on substrate250. Absorbent material260may be positioned on and/or contact fiber fabric280. Fiber fabric280may be liquid permeable such that liquid water may pass through fiber fabric280from absorbent material260to antenna252. Thus, liquid water in absorbent material260may deactivate antenna252, as discussed in greater detail above. Impermeable material270may be positioned over or on absorbent material260, e.g., opposite fiber fabric280.

FIG. 11provides a section view of a fourth example arrangement600of system240. InFIG. 11, absorbent material260is a fiber reinforced absorbent material. Thus, e.g., absorbent material260may include an encased mesh or reinforcing fibers that limit ripping of absorbent material260. Antenna252is adhered to absorbent material260, and adhesive256extends between antenna252and absorbent material260. In addition, adhesive256extends between absorbent material260and casing235such that absorbent material260is adhered to casing235. Thus, e.g., antenna252may detach from substrate250, e.g., and remain attached to absorbent material260, if RFID is removed from filter cartridge230. Integrated circuit254may be positioned opposite antenna252on substrate250. Absorbent material260may be positioned on and contact at least a portion of antenna252, and liquid water in absorbent material260may deactivate antenna252, as discussed in greater detail above. Impermeable material270may be positioned over or on absorbent material260.

FIG. 12provides a section view of a fifth example arrangement700of system240. InFIG. 12, integrated circuit254is adhered to fiber fabric280, and adhesive256extends between integrated circuit254and fiber fabric280. In addition, adhesive256extends between fiber fabric280and casing235such that fiber fabric280is adhered to casing235. Thus, e.g., integrated circuit254may detach from substrate250, e.g., and remain attached to fiber fabric280, if RFID is removed from filter cartridge230. Antenna252may be positioned opposite integrated circuit254on substrate250. Absorbent material260may be positioned on and/or contact antenna252. Fiber fabric280may be liquid permeable such that liquid water may pass through fiber fabric280to absorbent material260and antenna252. Thus, liquid water in absorbent material260may deactivate antenna252, as discussed in greater detail above. Impermeable material270may be positioned over or on fiber fabric280.

FIG. 13provides a section view of a sixth example arrangement800of system240. InFIG. 13, integrated circuit254is adhered to fiber fabric280, and adhesive256extends between integrated circuit254and fiber fabric280. In addition, adhesive256extends between fiber fabric280and casing235such that fiber fabric280is adhered to casing235. Thus, e.g., integrated circuit254may detach from substrate250, e.g., and remain attached to fiber fabric280, if RFID is removed from filter cartridge230. Antenna252may be positioned opposite integrated circuit254on substrate250. Antenna252is also adhered to casing235, and adhesive256extends between antenna252and casing235. Thus, e.g., antenna252may detach from substrate250, e.g., and remain attached to casing235, if RFID is removed from filter cartridge230. Absorbent material260may be positioned on and/or contact antenna252. Fiber fabric280may be liquid permeable such that liquid water may pass through fiber fabric280to absorbent material260and antenna252. Thus, liquid water in absorbent material260may deactivate antenna252, as discussed in greater detail above. Impermeable material270may be positioned over or on fiber fabric280.

FIG. 14provides a section view of a seventh example arrangement900of system240. InFIG. 14, antenna252is adhered to fiber fabric280, and adhesive256extends between antenna252and fiber fabric280. In addition, adhesive256extends between fiber fabric280and casing235such that fiber fabric280is adhered to casing235. Thus, e.g., antenna252may detach from substrate250, e.g., and remain attached to fiber fabric280, if RFID is removed from filter cartridge230. Integrated circuit254may be positioned opposite antenna252on substrate250. Integrated circuit254is also adhered to casing235, and adhesive256extends between integrated circuit254and casing235. Thus, e.g., integrated circuit254may detach from substrate250, e.g., and remain attached to casing235, if RFID is removed from filter cartridge230. Absorbent material260may be positioned on and/or contact fiber fabric280. Fiber fabric280may be liquid permeable such that liquid water may pass through fiber fabric280from absorbent material260to antenna252. Thus, liquid water in absorbent material260may deactivate antenna252, as discussed in greater detail above. Impermeable material270may be positioned over or on absorbent material260, e.g., opposite fiber fabric280.

FIG. 15provides a section view of an eight example arrangement1000of system240. InFIG. 15, absorbent material260is a fiber reinforced absorbent material. Thus, e.g., absorbent material260may include an encased mesh or reinforcing fibers that limit ripping of absorbent material260. Antenna252is adhered to absorbent material260, and adhesive256extends between antenna252and absorbent material260. In addition, adhesive256extends between absorbent material260and casing235such that absorbent material260is adhered to casing235. Thus, e.g., antenna252may detach from substrate250, e.g., and remain attached to absorbent material260, if RFID is removed from filter cartridge230. Integrated circuit254may be positioned opposite antenna252on substrate250. Integrated circuit254is also adhered to casing235, and adhesive256extends between integrated circuit254and casing235. Thus, e.g., integrated circuit254may detach from substrate250, e.g., and remain attached to casing235, if RFID is removed from filter cartridge230. Absorbent material260may be positioned on and contact at least a portion of antenna252, and liquid water in absorbent material260may deactivate antenna252, as discussed in greater detail above. Impermeable material270may be positioned over or on absorbent material260, e.g., opposite fiber fabric280.