A workpiece carrier and a method for the coating of elongated RFID devices

Abstract

A workpiece carrier and a method for coating elongated RFID devices are disclosed. The workpiece carrier comprises a rotating wheel with a first radius. The rotating wheel comprises at least one notched ridge alongside its inner circumference. The notches are dimensioned to take up the elongated RFID devices. At least one guiding rail is immovably fixed relative to a rotating axis alongside at least a part of the circumference of the wheel, wherein the guiding rail has a second radius smaller than the first radius. The second radius is in a predefined proximity to the first radius such that the elongated RFID devices placed in the notches are prevented from falling out of the notches due to gravity. Further, the at least one guiding rail is configured to enable the elongated RFID devices to roll and rotate under their own weight for uniform coating of the elongated RFID devices.

Description

A WORKPIECE CARRIER AND A METHOD FOR THE COATING OF ELONGATED RFID DEVICESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 693,664, filed September 11, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present subject matter generally relates to a workpiece carrier and a method for coating. In particular, the present subject matter relates to the workpiece carrier specifically designed for the coating of elongated Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, such as RFID tire tags and a method thereof.BACKGROUND

[0003] RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology has become increasingly prevalent in various industries for tracking and identification purposes. RFID systems consist of tags and readers, where the tags store data that can be read by the readers via radio waves. One of the critical applications of RFID technology is in the automotive industry, particularly for tire identification and tracking. RFID tire tags are used to support maintenance recording, inventory tracking, and fleet management. When outfitted with sensor capabilities, they monitor tire pressure, temperature, and other vital parameters, enhancing vehicle safety and performance. These tags are typically embedded within the tire or attached to its surface, requiring them to be durable and resistant to harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures and mechanical stress. In order to perform the embedding according to safety requirements, the tags have to be coated with a primer prior to the vulcanization process during tire manufacturing. The process of coating RFID devices, especially elongated ones like tire tags, presents several challenges. The coating must be uniformly applied to ensure that the tag is embedded without air enclosures.

[0004] Traditional coating methods may not provide a uniform coating. Additionally, the coating process must be efficient and scalable to meet the demands of mass production. Conventional coating systems with individual parts holders work according to the "continuous coating process," but they are very expensive and have a large footprint.

[0005] In a bulk coating process, the part's springs / antennae become tangled into an inextricable ball. In a continuous process, if the parts are to be completely coated, they must either be produced with costly excess length to clamp them, or a very complex turning device must be purchased.

[0006] Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussions, there is a need to overcome the limitations and challenges related to conventional methods and technology involved in coating the elongated RFID tags.SUMMARY

[0007] The present subject matter relates to a workpiece carrier for the coating of elongated Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices and a method thereof.

[0008] In some embodiments, a workpiece carrier for the coating of elongated Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices is disclosed. The workpiece carrier comprises a rotating axis. The workpiece carrier comprises a rotating wheel with a first radius and is fixed to the rotating axis by an axle that is coincident with the axis of rotation so that the wheel rotates with the rotating axis. The wheel comprises at least one notched ridge alongside its inner circumference. In some embodiments, the notches are dimensioned to take up the elongated RFID devices. In some embodiments, the notches are open towards the center of the wheel and closed towards the circumference of the wheel. The workpiece carrier comprises means for coating the elongated RFID devices.

[0009] In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier comprises at least one guiding rail. The guiding rail is immovably fixed relative to the rotating axis, positioned alongside at least a part of the wheel's circumference. In some embodiments, the guiding rail has a second radius smaller than the first radius. In some embodiments, the second radius is in a predefined proximity to the first radius so that the elongated RFID devices placed in the notches are prevented from falling out of the notches due to gravity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier comprises at least one spring- loaded tack or lever per ridge located alongside the wheel's circumference. The spring-loaded tack or lever is designed to press the elongated RFID devices out of the notches onto at least one guiding rail. In some embodiments, the force of the tack or lever is adjustable.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one guiding rail and the notches are dimensioned and positioned to allow the elongated RFID devices to rotate around their long axis while moving over the at least one guiding rail.

[0012] In some embodiments, the rotating axis has an angle of 45° to 90° relative to a planar ground. The rotating axis is adapted to be rotated by a motor.

[0013] In some embodiments, the notches are angled.

[0014] In some embodiments, the opening of the notches is angled in the turning direction of the wheel in relation to the closed end of the notches.

[0015] In some embodiments, the wheel, ridges and guiding rails are made out of a material or surface-treated with a material that is repelling the coating material.

[0016] In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier comprises at least two parallel notched ridges, and the distance between the ridges is dimensioned to allow at least a lead frame of the tire tag to fit between the ridges.

[0017] In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier comprises a coating system, wherein means for applying a coating comprise a plurality of coating or spraying guns arranged at a center of the wheel.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least one guiding rail is configured to enable the elongated RFID device to roll and rotate under own weight for uniform coating on all surfaces of the elongated RFID devices.

[0019] In some embodiments, the elongated RFID device is an RFID tire tag. The tire tag is configured to be attached to a tire for identification and tracking purposes.

[0020] In some embodiments, the tire tag comprises an integrated circuit package (IC) and an antenna consisting of a pair of helical springs. Each helical spring of the pair of helical springs is electrically connected to the connecting terminals of the IC via a lead frame.

[0021] In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier comprises an outer shell, the shell having an inner dimension suitable to accommodate the rotating wheel. The outer shell may enclose the rotating wheel from all directions. In some embodiments, the shell may have an opening to fit the rotating axis through. The shell may be designed to protect an environment and a workplace from the coating material.

[0022] The present subject matter also includes a method for coating elongated RFID devices. The method comprises a step for providing a workpiece carrier for the coating. The workpiece carrier comprises a rotating axis. The workpiece carrier comprises a rotatingwheel with a first radius and is fixed to the rotating axis by an axle that is coincident with the axis of rotation so that the wheel rotates with the rotating axis. The wheel comprises at least one notched ridge alongside its inner circumference. In some embodiments, the notches are dimensioned to take up the elongated RFID devices. In some embodiments, the notches are open towards the center of the wheel and closed towards the circumference of the wheel. The workpiece carrier comprises means for coating the elongated RFID devices.

[0023] In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier comprises at least one guiding rail. The guiding rail is immovably fixed relative to the rotating axis and positioned alongside at least a part of the wheel's circumference. In some embodiments, the guiding rail has a second radius smaller than the first radius. In some embodiments, the second radius is in a predefined proximity to the first radius so that the elongated RFID devices placed in the notches are prevented from falling out of the notches due to gravity.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method comprises a step for loading the elongated RFID devices into the workpiece carrier for coating.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method comprises a step for rotating the rotating wheel.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method comprises a step for applying a coating on the elongated RFID devices by a coating system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method comprises a step for unloading the elongated RFID devices from the workpiece carrier.

[0028] These and other features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed or disclosed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present subject matter, exemplary constructions of the subject matter are shown in the drawings. However, the present subject matter is notlimited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0030] Embodiments of the present subject matter will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:FIG. 1A is a front view of a workpiece carrier for coating elongated RFID devices, in accordance with an embodiment;FIG. IB is an isometric view of the workpiece carrier in accordance with an embodiment;FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a rotating wheel in accordance with an embodiment;FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a guiding rail in accordance with an embodiment;FIG.4 is a schematic illustration of a spring-loaded tack or lever in accordance with an embodiment;FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the working mechanism of the workpiece carrier for coating elongated RFID devices in accordance with an embodiment;FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for coating elongated RFID devices in accordance with an embodiment.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number represents an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the nonunderlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following detailed description illustrates various embodiments of the present subject matter and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present subject matter have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present subject matter are also possible. Some embodiments disclosed herein include a workpiece carrier and a method for coating elongated RFID devices thereof. In particular, the present subject matterrelates to the workpiece carrier specifically designed for the coating of elongated Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, such as RFID tire tags and a method thereof.Definitions:

[0033] "Integrated circuit" ("IC") refers to a microchip, computer chip, or simply "chip," which is a small electronic device made up of interconnected electronic components such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, and memory. These components are formed or fabricated onto a small piece of semiconductor material such as silicon, also known as a wafer. In some embodiments, "IC" may include an RFID chip.

[0034] "Lead frame" refers to a structure that enables electrical connection between an antenna and the IC's connecting terminals.

[0035] "Tire tag" refers to an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) device, a small electronic device that uses radio frequency signals to send a unique identification number and eventually further information on receiving a request signal from a reader.

[0036] These and other features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the description below and appended claims. These definitions are provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. These definitions are not intended to identify key features or essential features or keywords of the claimed or disclosed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0037] The workpiece carrier for coating elongated RFID devices disclosed in this document is described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures. Unless otherwise specified, like numbers in the figures indicate references to the same, similar, or corresponding elements throughout the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, methods, materials, etc., may be made and desired for a specific application.

[0038] In the present subject matter, any identification of specific shapes, materials, techniques, arrangements, etc., is either related to a specific example presented or is merely a general description of such a shape, material, technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such. Selected examplesof apparatuses and methods are hereinafter disclosed and described in detail with reference made to FIGURES.

[0039] Throughout the present subject matter, the workpiece carrier and a method for coating of elongated RFID devices has been disclosed.

[0040] FIG. 1A is a front view of workpiece carrier 100 specifically designed for the coating of elongated Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. IB is an isometric view of the workpiece carrier in accordance with an embodiment. The workpiece carrier 100 includes a rotating axis 104. Further, the workpiece carrier 100 includes a rotating wheel 101.

[0041] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a rotating wheel 101, in accordance with an embodiment. The rotating wheel 101 has a first radius. Further, the rotating wheel is fixed to the rotating axis 104 by an axle that coincides with the axis of rotation so that the rotating wheel 101 rotates with the rotating axis 104. In some embodiments, the rotating axis 104 has an angle of 45° to 90° relative to a planar ground. In some embodiments, the rotating axis 104 is adapted to be rotated by a motor.

[0042] Referring to Fig. IB and 2, the rotating wheel 101 comprises at least one notched ridge 201 (Fig. 2) alongside its inner circumference. Each notched ridge 201 is formed from one or more notches 106. In some embodiments, the notches 106 are dimensioned to take up the elongated RFID devices (Not shown in the figure). The notches 106 are open towards the center of the rotating wheel 101 and closed towards the circumference of the rotating wheel 101. In some embodiments, the notches 106 are angled. In some embodiments, the opening of the notches 106 is angled in the turning direction of the wheel 101 in relation to the closed end of the notches 106.

[0043] In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier 100 comprises at least two parallel notched ridges 201. The distance between the ridges 201 is dimensioned to allow at least a lead frame of the tire tag to fit between the ridges.

[0044] Fig. 3 is an isometric view of a guiding rail 102. Referring to Figs. 1A-1B and Fig. 3, at least one guiding rail 102 is immovably fixed relative to the rotating axis 104 on at least alongside a part of the circumference of the rotating wheel 101. The at least one guiding rail 102 comprises fixed axle 105. In some embodiments, the guiding rail 102 comprises a handle 107 for handling purposes.

[0045] In some embodiments, the guiding rail 102 has a second radius smaller than the first radius. The second radius is in a predefined proximity to the first radius such that the elongated RFID devices placed in notches 106 are prevented from falling out of notches 106 due to gravity.

[0046] In some embodiments, the wheel 101, notched ridges 201 and guiding rails 102 are made of material or surface-treated with a material that repels the coating material.

[0047] In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier 100 comprises at least one spring-loaded tack or lever per ridge. Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a mounting rack of spring-loaded tacks in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 1A-1B and Fig. 4, at least one spring-loaded tack or lever 103 per ridge is located alongside the circumference of the wheel 101. In some embodiments, the spring-loaded tack or lever 103 is designed to press the elongated RFID devices out of the notches 106 onto at least one guiding rail 102. In some embodiments, the force of the spring-loaded tack or lever 103 is adjustable. The elongated RFID devices may get stuck within their notches due to the adhesiveness of the coating material and prevent them from rotating freely. This lack of rotation leads to uneven coating application, impacting product quality and potentially causing defects. The spring-loaded tack or lever 103 is adapted to press the elongated RFID devices out of the notches 106 onto at least one guiding rail 102 and allow them to rotate freely, thereby enabling even coating application.

[0048] In some embodiments, the at least one guiding rail 102 and the notches 106 are dimensioned and positioned to allow the elongated RFID devices to rotate around their long axis while moving over the at least one guiding rail 102.

[0049] In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier 100 comprises the means for applying a coating (not shown in a figure) to the elongated RFID devices. The means for applying a coating may comprise a plurality of coating or spraying guns arranged at a center of the wheel 101. In some embodiments, the elongated RFID devices are wetted and coated using one or more coating guns. The coating takes place under negative pressure and a permanent heat supply through air.

[0050] In some embodiments, the at least one guiding rail 102 is configured to enable the elongated RFID devices to roll and rotate under their own weight for uniform coating on all surfaces of the elongated RFID devices.

[0051] In some embodiments, the elongated RFID device is an RFID tire tag. The tire tag is configured to be attached to a tire for identification and tracking purposes.

[0052] In some embodiments, the tire tag comprises an integrated circuit package (IC) and an antenna consisting of a pair of helical springs. Each helical spring of the pair of helical springs is electrically connected to the IC's connecting terminals via the lead frame.

[0053] In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier comprises an outer shell. The outer shell has an inner dimension suitable to accommodate the rotating wheel 101, enclosing it from all directions. The outer shell has an opening to fit the rotating axis 104 through, and it is designed to protect the environment and a workplace from the coating material.

[0054] Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of the working mechanism of the workpiece carrier for coating elongated RFID devices in accordance with an embodiment. In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier 100 may be automatically loaded and unloaded using a "pick and place" mechanism. The workpiece carrier may be adapted to be integrated into a coating machine or drum that originally coats using a tumbling process and spraying. In some embodiments, the workpiece carrier 100 is provided with a transport lock to prevent the rotating wheel 101 and guiding rail 102 from falling out. The workpiece carrier 100 is inserted into the coating system using a quick clamp. In some embodiments, the coating system may be a coating drum. The elongated RFID devices 502, such as tire tags, are loaded into the notched ridge of the rotating wheel 101. The rotating wheel 101 is rotated by the motor (not shown in the figure). The guiding rail 102 remains stationary. The spring-loaded tack or lever 103 is configured to press the elongated RFID device 502 out of the notches 106 onto at least one guiding rail 102. The wheel 101 rotates while the guiding rail 102 remains stationary, thereby preventing the elongated RFID devices from falling out and allowing the elongated RFID devices to roll and rotate on the outer diameter of guiding rail 102 under their own weight. This ensures an even coating on all surfaces of tire tags 502. The angle of rotation or rolling of the elongated RFID devices on the guiding rail 102 is random. To ensure every elongated RFID device is coated everywhere, several rotations of the wheel are performed. After coating, the workpiece carrier is removed from the coating machine, and the tire tags may be removed using a "pick and place" mechanism.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method 600 for coating elongated RFID devices in accordance with an embodiment.

[0056] At step 602, a workpiece carrier 100 is provided for the coating of elongated RFID devices.

[0057] At step 604, the elongated RFID devices are loaded into the workpiece carrier 100 for the coating.

[0058] At step 606, the rotating wheel 101 is rotated. In some embodiments, the rotating wheel 101 is rotated by a motor.

[0059] At step 608, the coating system is configured for coating elongated RFID devices.

[0060] At step 610, coated elongated RFID devices are unloaded from the workpiece carrier.

[0061] The steps 602 to 610 are only illustrative, and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

[0062] The workpiece carrier 100 and method 600 enable individual fixing and uniform coating of the elongated RFID devices without damage.

[0063] The workpiece carrier 100 may be inserted into the coating drum, thereby requires small space for coating process and cost effective.

[0064] Modifications to embodiments of the present subject matter described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present subject matter are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A workpiece carrier for the coating of elongated Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices comprising: a rotating axis, a rotating wheel with a first radius and being fixed to the rotating axis by an axle that is coincident with the axis of rotation, so that the wheel rotates with the rotating axis, wherein the wheel comprises at least one notched ridge alongside its inner circumference, the notches dimensioned to take up the elongated RFID devices, the notches being open towards the center of the wheel and closed towards the circumference of the wheel; means for applying a coating to the elongated RFID devices; at least one guiding rail immovably fixed relative to the rotating axis alongside at least a part of circumference of the wheel, wherein the guiding rail has a second radius smaller than the first radius, wherein the second radius is in a predefined proximity to the first radius that the elongated RFID devices placed in the notches are prevented from falling out of the notches due to gravity.

2. The workpiece carrier according to claim 1, wherein at least one spring-loaded tack or lever per ridge is located alongside the circumference of the wheel, and wherein the spring- loaded tack or lever is designed to press the elongated RFID devices out of the notches onto at least one guiding rail.

3. The workpiece carrier according to claim 2, wherein the force of the spring-loaded tack or lever is adjustable.

4. The workpiece carrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one guiding rail and the notches are dimensioned and positioned to allow the elongated RFID devices to rotate around their long axis while moving over the at least one guiding rail.

5. The workpiece carrier according to claim 1, wherein the rotating axis has an angle of 45° to 90° relative to a planar ground.

6. The workpiece carrier according to claim 1, wherein the notches are angled.

7. The workpiece carrier according to claim 6, wherein the opening of the notches is angled in the turning direction of the wheel in relation to the closed end of the notches.

8. The workpiece carrier according to claim 1, wherein the wheel, ridges and guiding rails are out of a material or surface-treated with a material that is repelling the coating material.

9. The workpiece carrier according to claim 1, wherein there are at least two parallel notched ridges and the distance between the ridges is dimensioned to allow at least a leadframe of the tire tag to fit between the ridges.

10. The workpiece carrier according to claim 1, comprising a coating system, wherein means for applying a coating comprise a plurality of coating or spraying guns arranged at a center of the wheel.

11. The workpiece carrier according to claim 1, wherein the at least one guiding rail is configured to enable the elongated RFID devices to roll and rotate under own weight for uniform coating on all surfaces of the elongated RFID devices.

12. The workpiece carrier according to claim 1, wherein the elongated RFID device is an RFID tire tag, wherein the tire tag is configured to be attached to a tire for identification and tracking purposes.

13. The workpiece carrier according to claim 12, wherein the tire tag comprises an integrated circuit package (IC) and an antenna consisting of a pair of helical springs, wherein each helical spring of the pair of helical springs is electrically connected to connecting terminals of the IC via the lead frame.

14. The workpiece carrier according to claim 1, wherein the rotating axis is adapted to be rotated by a motor.

15. The workpiece carrier according to claim 1, further comprising an outer shell, the shell having an inner dimension suitable to accommodate the rotating wheel, the outer shell enclosing the rotating wheel from all directions, the outer shell having an opening to fit the rotating axis through and the outer shell being designed to protect an environment and a workplace from the coating material.

16. A method for coating elongated RFID devices, the method comprising: providing a workpiece carrier for the coating, the workpiece carrier comprising: a rotating axis; a rotating wheel with a first radius and being fixed to the rotating axis by an axle that is coincident with the axis of rotation, so that the wheel rotates with the rotating axis, wherein the wheel comprises at least one notched ridge alongside its inner circumference, the notches dimensioned to take up the elongated RFID devices, the notches being open towards the center of the wheel and closed towards the circumference of the wheel; means for applying a coating to the elongated RFID devices; and at least one guiding rail immovably fixed relative to the rotating axis alongside at least a part of circumference of the wheel, wherein the guiding rail has a second radius smaller than the first radius, wherein the second radius is in a predefined proximity to the first radius that the elongated RFID devices placed in the notches are prevented from falling out of the notches due to gravity; loading the elongated RFID devices into the workpiece carrier for coating; rotating the rotating wheel; applying coating on the elongated RFID devices by a coating system; and unloading the elongated RFID devices from the workpiece carrier.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the at least one spring-loaded tack or lever per ridge, located alongside the circumference of the wheel, and wherein the spring-loaded tack or lever is designed to press the elongated RFID devices out of the notches onto the at least one guiding rail.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the at least one guiding rail and the notches are dimensioned and positioned to allowthe elongated RFID devices to rotate around their long axis while moving over the at least one guiding rail.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the elongated RFID devices are rolling and rotating under own weight on the at least guiding rail for uniform coating on all surfaces of the elongated RFID device.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the elongated RFID device is an RFID tire tag, wherein the tire tag is configured to be attached to a tire for identification and tracking purposes.

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