Angled RFID Antenna Null Point Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RFID tag systems experience reading errors due to the generation of null points caused by the combination of direct and reflected radio waves, leading to unstable communication areas, especially in environments with vertical or horizontal surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The RFID tag system incorporates an antenna disposed at a predetermined angle, matching the polarization plane of the radio wave, which reduces the influence of reflected waves from surfaces like floors and walls, thereby minimizing null points and ensuring stable communication without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the RFID tag uses a conventional antenna configuration, then the communication range can be extended to about 5m, but null points are generated due to the combination of reflected waves from surrounding surfaces and direct waves, causing reading errors and unstable communication areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the antenna at a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal direction of the tag case, rather than using a symmetric parallel configuration. This angular asymmetry changes the polarization characteristics of the radiated radio waves, reducing constructive interference between direct and reflected waves that causes null points, thereby maintaining communication stability across the extended 5m range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If additional components are added to prevent null points, then the generation of null points can be prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenull point preventionVSAvoidcomponent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the angular parameter of the antenna configuration from a conventional parallel alignment to a predetermined angle (such as 45 degrees). This parameter modification alters the polarization plane of the radiated radio waves, enabling the system to avoid null points caused by reflected wave interference without adding any physical components, thus preventing null points while maintaining simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration effectively reduces the occurrence of null points, enabling stable and long-range communication in environments with reflective surfaces, as demonstrated by experimental results showing improved reception levels and reduced null point generation.

Implementation Method 1

The RFID reader/writer and the RFID tag conduct communication with each other using the antenna that transmits and receives the linearly-polarized radio wave having the polarization plane leaned at the predetermined angle with respect to the reflecting surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear polarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

a radio wave transmitted from the RFID reader/writer is reflected by a floor or a wall, and the reflected radio wave (a reflected wave) and a direct wave are combined to generate a point (the null point)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the reflected radio wave (a reflected wave) and a direct wave are combined to generate a point (the null point) where a reading error is generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP2639737B1RFID tag and RFID tag system
Publication Date: 2015.08.05 OMRON CORP
  • EP2639737B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2639737B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3B
  • EP2639737B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5B

AI summary

An aspect of the present invention provides an RFID tag, in which a null point is hardly generated. The RFID tag includes a long antenna provided in a rectangular surface. The antenna is accommodated in a tag case of the RFID tag, and the antenna extends in a direction oblique to sides constituting the rectangular surface of the tag case.