Multi-part RF transponder and multi-way engagement signaling

An apparatus, comprising:

• a first support structure;
• a transponder integrated circuit (IC) disposed on the first support structure;
• an inductive loop coupled to the transponder IC and disposed on the first support structure;
• a first wire and a second wire having respective ends coupled to pins of the transponder IC and having portions configured for different levels of electrical coupling between the first wire and the second wire;
• a second support structure;
• a dipole antenna disposed on the second support structure and having an induction portion, the first support structure and the second support structure configured for engagement between the dipole antenna and inductive loop;
• wherein:
• the dipole antenna resonates in response to a radio frequency (RF) signal from an RFID reader;
• engagement of the inductive loop with the induction portion of the dipole antenna induces current flow in the inductive loop in response to the dipole antenna resonating;
• disengagement of the inductive loop from the induction portion of the dipole antenna makes the transponder IC non-responsive to the RF signal;
• the transponder IC is configured to generate an RF data signal that encodes a first data value indicating partial engagement in response to the current flow in the inductive loop and a first level of electrical coupling between the first wire and the second wire;
• and
• the transponder IC is configured to generate an RF data signal that encodes a second data value indicating full engagement in response to the current flow in the inductive loop and a second level of electrical coupling between the first wire and the second wire.

A method, comprising:

• generating a radio frequency (RF) signal by an RF identification (RFID) reader for determining whether two or more structures are fully engaged, partially engaged, or disengaged, wherein the two or more structures have disposed thereon:
• a transponder integrated circuit (IC),
• an inductive loop coupled to the transponder IC,
• a dipole antenna having an induction portion, the dipole antenna and inductive loop configured for alternative positioning of engagement with and disengagement from one another, and
• a first wire and a second wire having respective ends coupled to pins of the transponder IC and having portions configured for different levels of electrical coupling between the first wire and the second wire;
• generating by the transponder IC, an RF data signal that encodes a first data value indicating partial engagement in response to current flow in the inductive loop and a first level of electrical coupling between the first wire and the second wire;
• generating by the transponder IC, an RF data signal that encodes a second data value indicating full engagement in response to the current flow in the inductive loop and a second level of electrical coupling between the first wire and the second wire;
• determining by the RFID reader that the two or more structures are partially engaged in response to receiving the RF data signal encoding the first data value;
• determining by the RFID reader that the two or more structures are fully engaged in response to receiving the RF data signal encoding the second data value;
• and
• determining by the RFID reader that the two or more structures are disengaged in response to absence of an RF data signal form the transponder IC.