Fully moulded UHF animal flap tag with wire embedded technology and method thereof

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a fully molded UHF flap tag 100 for livestock management includes molding, at a first stage of molding, using a thermoplastic / TPU, a base 102A of the UHF tag 100, and placing at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) 106 and an antenna 108 using one or more inductive coupled conductive wires, over the base 102A, which serves as a support for the IC 106 and the antenna 108. At a second stage of molding, an over molding over the IC 106 and the antenna 108 is molded using the thermoplastic / TPU. The fully molded tag provides benefits like: better grip, vibration dampening, comfort & sealing. The UHF tag can be a single component with self-piercing projection 104 with long leaned shoulders, or can have an aperture for being fixed by a male flap.

Description

FULLY MOULDED UHF ANIMAL FLAP TAG WITH WIRE EMBEDDEDTECHNOLOGY AND METHOD THEREOFFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to animal ear tags. More particularly to a fully moulded UHF flap tag and a method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag which includes an inductively coupled wire antenna for livestock management.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The following description of related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] In the field of identification of members of a herd and of other domestic animals, it is known to use plastic ear tags. There are several common frequencies such as Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) are used worldwide, and depending on the application the appropriate frequency is chosen, due to their strengths and weaknesses. Generally, the standard technology used for animal ear tag systems is LF and UHF. The inlays used in the UHF RFID animal ear tags until now were either machine inlays, printed inlays or etched inlay which as such have a restricted read range.

[0004] Existing animal tags are exposed to extreme weather conditions and mechanical stress. They are expected to perform in harsh environment and should be withstand on animal ear for long duration. When UHF was introduced for Animal ear the common practice was to glue UHF Inlay and the Flap. This was the cheapest and easiest way of making an UHF ear tag, but since the label was glued and not completely protected the durability and reliability was not suitable for the application.

[0005] Further, next generation of UHF Tags exist with UHF inlay molded into the flap. This was a better solution than gluing but had some shortcomings. The UHF Inlay is made in PET substance and PET is not compatible with TPU / Thermoplastic. Further, in an etched / printed inlay the DIE is attached to antenna by flip chip technology. There the semiconductor is placed directly on the antenna and the connection is not very secure. The etched / printed antenna can easily crack during practical working conditions and also theconnection can go bad and tag can stop working. Furthermore, the UHF Ear tag generally comes with a conventional design of male and female parts for tagging which is often difficult to properly tag a cow or calf, where one must understand the importance of placement, identification, precautions, and use of the tag applicator to avoid complications.

[0006] Another existing method of making tag is with inductive coupling in a hard disc tag along with etched antenna is used to manufacture the ear tag. This is more suitable since the chip is more secure in the small disc and to increase the reading distance an etched antenna is inductively coupled. But here even the chip connection is secure, but antenna is still etched and have drawbacks already explained above.

[0007] There is, therefore, a requirement in the art for a method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management that addresses at least the above mentioned problems in the art.OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fully moulded UHF flap tag and method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management.

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide fully moulded UHF flap tag and a method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, which is efficient, cost-effective, and simple.

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide fully moulded UHF flap tag and a method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, facilitating a fully moulded ear tag with embedded inductively coupled wire antenna and a unique self-piercing design for fast, easy and safe tagging.

[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fully moulded UHF tag and method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, which adapts a self-piercing design with long leaned shoulders of the tag by eliminating snagging and the thick neck of tag that does not break under harsh environments.

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fully moulded UHF flap tag and method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, which enables enhanced functioning and reliability of connections by using the conductive wires which is durable, conductive and resistant to bending and torsion.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates generally to animal ear tags used for livestock management. Specifically, the present invention provides a fully moulded Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag and a method for manufacturing UHF flap tag for livestock management. The tag may have different configurations that allow it to be combined with any or a combination of a Low Frequency (LF) antenna, a High Frequency (HF) antenna and a visual only tag.

[0015] In an aspect, the method for manufacturing a fully moulded Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, the method includes: (i) molding, at a first stage of molding, using a thermoplastic / TPU, a base of the UHF tag; (ii) placing at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) and an antenna using one or more inductive coupled conductive wires, over the base; and (iii) molding, at a second stage of molding, using the thermoplastic / TPU, an over molding over the at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) and the antenna.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the method may include the step of configuring the tag as a single component with the base as a flap having a solitary self-piercing projection with long leaned shoulders for fixing the tag to ear of an animal.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the method may include the step of configuring the base as a flap with a housing, the housing having an aperture for fixing the tag to ear of an animal by a male flap.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the method may include the step of configuring the male flap as a visual only flap.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the method may include the step of configuring the male flap with any or a combination of a Low Frequency (LF) antenna and a High Frequency (HF) antenna.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the method may include the step of configuring the housing with any or a combination of a Low Frequency (LF) antenna and a High Frequency (HF) antenna.

[0021] In one or more embodiments the method may include the step of configuring the one or more inductive coupled conductive wires such that the flap tag is operated at a frequency range of 840-960 MHz.

[0022] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management. The tag including at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) and an antenna using one or more inductive coupled conductive wires, the at least one IntegratedCircuit (IC) and the antenna being molded between a base and an overlay, each molded using a thermoplastic / TPU.

[0023] In one or more embodiments the tag may be a single component with the base configured as a flap having a solitary self-piercing projection with long leaned shoulders for fixing the tag to ear of an animal.

[0024] In one or more embodiments the base may include a housing, the housing having an aperture for fixing the tag to ear of an animal by a male flap.

[0025] In one or more embodiments the male flap may be a visual only flap.

[0026] In one or more embodiments the male flap may include any or a combination of a Low Frequency (LF) antenna and a High Frequency (HF) antenna.

[0027] In one or more embodiments the housing may include any or a combination of a Low Frequency (LF) antenna and a High Frequency (HF) antenna.

[0028] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that invention of such drawings includes the invention of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0030] FIGs. 1A and IB illustrate exemplary front views showing stages of molding of the disclosed Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGs. 2A to 2C illustrate different views of the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag, having a housing with an aperture, and having any of High frequency (HF) antenna or low frequency (LF) antenna in the housing, in addition to the UHF antenna in the flap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIGs. 3A to 3C illustrate different views of the visual flap tag, but not limited to, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGs. 4A to 4C illustrate different views of male flap which is Ultra High Frequency (UHF) or visual male flap for fixing the tag or any female part to ear of an animal by engagement with the aperture of the housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 5 is an exemplary method flow diagram for the disclosed method for manufacturing a fully moulded Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0035] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.

[0036] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.

[0037] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0038] Also, it is to be noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structurediagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[0039] The word “exemplary” and / or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and / or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0040] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] The embodiments described herein relate to animal ear tags and more particularly to a method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management. In particular, the present invention provides a fully moulded Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag and a method for manufacturing an UHF flap tag for livestock management. The tag may have different configurations that allow it to be combined with any or a combination of a Uow Frequency (UF) antenna, a High Frequency (HF) antenna and a visual only tag.

[0043] In an embodiment, the UHF flap tag may be molded in a solitary self-piercing style with long leaned shoulders along with the conductive wire.

[0044] In an embodiment, the tag can be moulded using a thermoplastic / TPU that is selected to have an optimum hardness, and an UV resistance.

[0045] In an embodiment, one or more inductively coupled wire antenna is embedded on the thermoplastic / TPU, and an electronic integrated circuit attached thereto.

[0046] In an embodiment, an inductive coupling enables transfer of electrical power between a plurality isolated coils placed in closed vicinity to each other for generation of low power electrical field for inter-connecting and transferring of electricity.

[0047] In an embodiment, the UHF flap tag is operated at a frequency range of 840- 960 MHz.

[0048] In an embodiment, the tag can be configured as a flap tag with a housing, the housing having an aperture for coupling a male flap, which can be a visual tag comprising no frequency.

[0049] In an embodiment, the housing can include any or a combination of a UF antenna and a HF antenna.

[0050] Referring to FIGs. 1A and IB, where the steps involved in manufacturing the molded UHF flap tag are shown, the manufacturing can involve, molding, at a first stage of molding, using a thermoplastic / TPU, a base 102A of the UHF flap tag 100, as shown in FIG. 1A. After the base 102A is moulded, at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) 106 and an antenna 108 can be placed over the base 102A. The antenna 108 can be configured using one or more inductive coupled conductive wires, and can be capable of capturing frequencies in the range of 840-960 MHz.

[0051] In an aspect, the manufacturing can include a second stage of molding, using the thermoplastic / TPU, in which an over molding 102 (refer to FIG. IB) over the at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) 106 and the antenna 108, thereby encapsulating the at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) 106 and the antenna 108 within the molding.

[0052] In an embodiment, the one or more inductive coupled conductive wires can be bound to the base 102A by any or a combination of heat, glue, and welding, to ensure that the one or more inductive coupled conductive wires do not move during the second stage of moulding.

[0053] As shown in FIGs. 1A and IB, the tag 100 can be configured as a single component with the base 102A, over molding 102 and having a solitary self-piercing projection 104 with long leaned shoulders for fixing the tag to ear of an animal.

[0054] In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 2A-2C, the tag, referred to as tag 200, can be configured with a housing 202 attached to the flap 102. The housing 202 can include an aperture 204 for fixing the tag 200 to ear of an animal by a male flap, such as male flap 400 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, having a flap 404 and a stem 402. The aperture 204 of the housing 202 of the tag 200 can include snap features to lock the stem 404 therewith, when inserted through the aperture 202.

[0055] In an embodiment, the housing 202 of the tag 200 can include any of a High frequency (HF) antenna or low frequency (LF) antenna, in addition to the UHF antenna 108 in the flap 102.

[0056] In an embodiment, the tag with housing, such as tag 300 shown in FIGs. 3A- 3C, can be without any of a High frequency (HF) antenna, low frequency (LF) antenna or Ultra-High frequency (UHF) antenna, but can be coupled to ear of an animal using the male flap 400, which can be a visual only flap.

[0057] In an embodiment, the male flap 400, can be configured as a visual only flap, Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag or combi ear tag (LF+UHF, HF+UHF). Thus, the configuration provides a tag that includes all or combination of UHF antenna, HF antenna, LF antenna and a visual only tag.

[0058] The UHF ear tag 100 / 200 / 400, as described above, is an electronic identification tag used for livestock management, particularly for cattle, sheep, and pigs. UHF is the radio frequency range used for communication between the ear tag and the reader device. UHF ear tags typically contain a microchip and an antenna, which communicate with a reader device that can read and write information to the tag. The information on the tag can include the animal's identification number, date of birth, vaccination history, and other relevant information for management and tracking purposes. The UHF flap tag 100 / 200 / 400 provides a faster and more accurate identification of the animals, improved traceability and data management, and reduced labour and handling costs. The UHF flap tags 100 / 200 / 400can be used in the livestock industry for various applications, such as animal health management, breeding programs, and meat traceability.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 5, the method 500 for manufacturing a fully moulded Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag, such as flap tag 100 / 200 / 300 / 400, for livestock management can include, at step 502, molding, at a first stage of molding, using a thermoplastic / TPU, a base, such as base 102A shown in FIG. 1A, of the UHF flap tag. Step 504 Of the method 500 can be to place at least one Integrated Circuit (IC), such as Integrated Circuit (IC) 106 shown in FIG. 1A, and an antenna, such as antenna 108 shown in FIG. 1A, using one or more inductive coupled conductive wires, over the base 102A. Step 506 of the method can be: molding, at a second stage of molding, using the thermoplastic / TPU, an over molding, such as over molding 102 shown in FIG. IB, over the at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) 106 and the antenna 108.

[0060] In an embodiment, the method 500 can include the step of binding the one or more inductive coupled conductive wires to the base 102A by any or a combination of heat, glue, and welding, to ensure that the one or more inductive coupled conductive wires do not move during the second stage of moulding.

[0061] In an embodiment, the method 500 may include the step of configuring the tag 100 as a single component with the base having a solitary self-piercing projection 104 with long leaned shoulders for fixing the tag to ear of an animal.

[0062] In an embodiment, the method 500 may include the step of configuring the base as a flap with a housing, such as housing 202 shown in FIG. 2A to 3C, the housing 202 having an aperture, such as the aperture 204 shown in FIG. 2A to 3C, for fixing the tag 200 / 300 to ear of an animal by a male flap, such as male flap 400 shown in FIGs. 4A -4C.

[0063] In an embodiment, the method 500 may include the step of configuring the male flap 400 as a visual only flap.

[0064] In an embodiment, the method 500 may include the step of configuring the male flap 400 with any or a combination of a Uow Frequency (UF) antenna, High Frequency (HF) antenna and Ultra-High Frequency (HF) antenna.

[0065] In an embodiment, the method 500 may include the step of configuring the housing 204 with any or a combination of a Uow Frequency (UF) antenna, High Frequency (HF) antenna and Ultra-High Frequency (HF) antenna.

[0066] In an embodiment, the method 500 may include the step of configuring the one or more inductive coupled conductive wires such that the tag 100 / 200 / 400 is operated at a frequency range of 840-960 MHz.

[0067] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented merely as illustrative of the invention and not as limitation.ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0068] The present disclosure provides method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management.

[0069] The present disclosure provide a method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, which is efficient, cost-effective, and simple.

[0070] The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, facilitating a fully moulded ear tag flap with embedded wire antenna and a unique self-piercing design for fast, easy and safe tagging.

[0071] The present disclosure provides provide a method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, which adapts a self-piercing design with long leaned shoulders of the tag by eliminating snagging and the thick neck of tag that does not break under harsh environments.

[0072] The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, which enables enhanced functioning and reliability of connections by using the wire antenna which is inductively coupled with RFID tag / IC.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method for manufacturing a fully moulded Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, the method comprises: molding, at a first stage of molding, using a thermoplastic / TPU, a base of the UHF flap tag; placing at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) and an antenna using one or more inductive coupled conductive wires, over the base; molding, at a second stage of molding, using the thermoplastic / TPU, an over molding over the at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) and the antenna.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising the step of binding the one or more inductive coupled conductive wires to the base by any or a combination of heat, glue, and welding, to ensure that the one or more inductive coupled conductive wires do not move during the second stage of moulding.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising the step of configuring the tag as a single component with the base as a flap having a solitary self-piercing projection with long leaned shoulders for fixing the tag to ear of an animal.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising the step of configuring the base as a flap with a housing, the housing having an aperture for fixing the tag to ear of an animal by a male flap.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, comprising the step of configuring the male flap as a visual only flap.

6. The method as claimed in claim 4, comprising the step of configuring the male flap with any or a combination of a Uow Frequency (UF) antenna and a High Frequency (HF) antenna.

7. The method as claimed in claim 4, comprising the step of configuring the housing with any or a combination of a Uow Frequency (UF) antenna and a High Frequency (HF) antenna.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: configuring the one or more inductive coupled conductive wires such that the tag is operated at a frequency range of 840-960 MHz.

9. A Ultra High Frequency (UHF) flap tag for livestock management, the tag comprising at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) and an antenna using one or more inductive coupled conductive wires, the at least one Integrated Circuit (IC) and the antenna being molded between a base and cover, each molded using a thermoplastic / TPU.

10. The tag as claimed in claim 9, wherein the tag as a single component with the base configured as a flap having a solitary self-piercing projection with long leaned shoulders for fixing the tag to ear of an animal.

11. The tag as claimed in claim 9, wherein the base comprises a housing, the housing having an aperture for fixing the tag to ear of an animal by a male flap.

12. The tag as claimed in claim 11, wherein the male flap is a visual only flap.

13. The tag as claimed in claim 11, wherein the male flap comprises any or a combination of a Low Frequency (LF) antenna and a High Frequency (HF) antenna.

14. The tag as claimed in claim 11, wherein the housing comprises any or a combination of a Low Frequency (LF) antenna and a High Frequency (HF) antenna.

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