Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag

Abstract

Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag, in particular high-pressure laminate (HPL), consisting of a core of several resin-impregnated paper layers and at least one decorative layer, which are pressed together under pressure and temperature, characterized in that at least one passive, wirelessly readable NFC tag (Near Field Communication) is completely and permanently integrated into the layer structure of the composite panel and is completely enclosed by the surrounding layers, so that it is invisible from the outside and protected from mechanical and chemical influences.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an intelligent composite panel, in particular a high-pressure laminate (HPL) panel, with an integrated, passive and wirelessly readable communication unit for storing and transmitting data.

[0002] Such panels are used as surfaces in the furniture industry, in interior design, in construction (e.g. facades, wall coverings) and in facility management. State of the art

[0003] High-pressure laminate (HPL) panels are widely known as robust, durable and aesthetically pleasing surface materials.

[0004] They consist of several layers of resin-impregnated paper that are pressed together under high pressure and high temperature to form a dense, resistant sheet.

[0005] Their properties include high scratch resistance, water resistance, heat resistance and chemical resistance.

[0006] Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is also well-known, enabling wireless data transmission over short distances. Passive NFC tags do not require their own power source, as they are activated by the electromagnetic field of a reader (e.g., a smartphone).

[0007] NFC tags are already used in a variety of applications, such as contactless payment, access control, or product identification.

[0008] The integration of electronics into surfaces is also known.

[0009] Often, electronic components such as NFC tags are subsequently glued onto the surface or inserted into milled recesses.

[0010] These methods have the disadvantage that the electronic components remain visible, disrupt the surface aesthetics, and are susceptible to mechanical damage, wear and tear, or manipulation.

[0011] Especially under the harsh operating conditions in construction or on heavily used furniture surfaces, such a subsequent application is not sufficiently durable and robust.

[0012] A permanent, invisible and fully protected integration of passive NFC tags directly into the layer structure of a high-pressure laminate plate during the manufacturing process, which withstands the high pressure and temperature conditions and at the same time ensures reliable readability, is not known from the prior art. Object of the invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to create a composite panel, in particular an HPL panel, which combines the robustness and durability of a conventional HPL panel with the advantages of an integrated, wireless communication technology.

[0014] The integration should be invisible, permanent and completely protected, without affecting the aesthetic and functional properties of the HPL surface.

[0015] The resulting intelligent interface is designed to enable simple and maintenance-free interaction using standard smartphones and to be used in a wide range of applications, especially under harsh environmental conditions. Solution to the task

[0016] The problem is solved by an intelligent composite panel with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0017] The composite panel according to the invention is a high-pressure laminate (HPL) panel consisting of a core of several layers of kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resin and at least one decorative layer, which are pressed together under high pressure (typically >7 MPa) and high temperature (typically >130 °C).

[0018] The essential feature of the invention is that at least one passive NFC (Near Field Communication) tag is fully and permanently integrated into the layer structure of the HPL panel.

[0019] The NFC tag is positioned so that it is completely enclosed by the surrounding layers and thus protected from external influences such as mechanical stress (scratches, impacts), moisture, chemicals and UV radiation.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the NFC tag is positioned between the core layers and the decorative layer.

[0021] This arrangement ensures that the tag is invisible and the aesthetic surface of the plate is not affected.

[0022] At the same time, the distance to the surface is small enough to ensure reliable readability by an NFC-enabled device, such as a smartphone.

[0023] The NFC tag itself is designed to withstand the high pressure and temperature conditions of the HPL manufacturing process without losing its functionality.

[0024] This is achieved through the use of temperature-resistant substrate materials (e.g. polyamide) and a robust connection between the chip and the antenna.

[0025] By integrating the NFC tag into the HPL structure, it becomes an inseparable part of the panel.

[0026] It cannot be removed without destroying the disk, which ensures a high level of tamper protection and makes the disk ideal for applications such as authentication or asset tracking.

[0027] The passive nature of the NFC tag means that it does not require an internal power source (battery) and is therefore maintenance-free and has a virtually unlimited lifespan.

[0028] The information stored on the tag (e.g. product information, maintenance instructions, technical drawings, web links) can be read out at any time and as often as desired using a smartphone and can also be updated if necessary (depending on the tag type). Example of implementation

[0029] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0030] The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 a schematic cross-section through an intelligent composite panel according to the invention.

[0031] The in Fig. 1 The intelligent composite panel shown (1) is a high-pressure laminate (HPL).

[0032] It consists of a core (2) which is composed of several layers of kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resin.

[0033] A decorative layer (3) is applied to the core (2), which determines the visible design of the panel surface.

[0034] The final layer is a highly transparent, melamine resin-impregnated protective layer (overlay) (4), which gives the panel its high abrasion and scratch resistance.

[0035] According to the invention, a passive NFC tag (5) is integrated into the layer structure.

[0036] The NFC tag (5) consists of a microchip and an antenna mounted on a thin, flexible substrate.

[0037] In this embodiment, the NFC tag (5) is arranged between the core (2) and the decorative layer (3).

[0038] During the manufacturing process, the NFC tag (5) is pressed together with the paper layers and resins under high pressure and high temperature.

[0039] The liquid resin completely encloses the tag and permanently fixes it in its position, creating an inseparable, homogeneous unit.

[0040] Positioning the NFC tag (5) under the decorative layer (3) and the protective layer (4) makes it invisible from the outside and effectively protects it from any external influences.

[0041] The thickness and dielectric properties of the layers (3, 4) above the tag are dimensioned such that the electromagnetic field of a reader (not shown) can activate the tag for data transmission, but the reading range remains limited to a few centimeters, which prevents unnoticed reading. Reference symbol list

[0042] Reference symbol Designation 1 Intelligent composite panel (HPL) 2 core (phenolic resin-kraft paper layers) 3 decorative layers 4 Protective layer (overlay) 5 Passive NFC Tag

Claims

[1] Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag, in particular high-pressure laminate (HPL) consisting of a core of several resin-impregnated paper layers and at least one decorative layer pressed together under pressure and temperature, characterized by that at least one passive, wirelessly readable NFC (Near Field Communication) tag is fully and permanently integrated into the layer structure of the composite panel and completely enclosed by the surrounding layers, so that it is invisible from the outside and protected from mechanical and chemical influences. [2] Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag according to claim 1, characterized by that the NFC tag is positioned between the core and the decorative layer. [3] Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that a transparent, melamine resin-impregnated protective layer (overlay) is applied as the outermost layer and provides additional protection for the NFC tag. [4] Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the NFC tag consists of a temperature-resistant substrate material, in particular polyamide, to withstand the pressure >7 MPa and temperature conditions > 130 °C of the HPL manufacturing process. [5] Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the resin of the surrounding layers completely penetrates and encloses the NFC tag to form a homogeneous, inseparable and void-free unit. [6] Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the thickness and dielectric properties of the layers above the NFC tag are dimensioned to ensure reliable readability by a commercially available NFC reader (e.g. smartphone) from a distance of up to 50 millimeters. [7] Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a discreet, non-invasive marking is applied to the surface of the plate, indicating the position of the integrated NFC tag without significantly affecting the aesthetics of the surface. [8] Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the core consists of layers of kraft paper soaked in phenolic resin. [9] Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the NFC tag is write-protected to make the stored information (e.g. an authentication certificate) tamper-proof. [10] Intelligent composite panel with integrated NFC tag according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the NFC tag is rewritable to allow for updating the stored information (e.g., maintenance logs, status information).

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