Biodegradable RFID Identifier With Capacitive Antenna Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID identifiers face challenges in transitioning to environmentally friendly materials due to the need for plastic substrates and crimp connections, which are difficult to implement without plastics.

Innovation Solution

The use of biodegradable substrates, such as those made from non-plastic biodegradable fibers and bioplastics, combined with capacitive coupling of coil antenna ends and bridge ends, eliminates the need for crimp connections and reduces plastic usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If crimp connections are used to connect the bridge and antenna, then electrical connection is achieved, but plastic substrate is required which conflicts with environmentally friendly materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidplastic material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical crimp connection system with a capacitive coupling system. Instead of using physical contact through crimp connections that require plastic substrates, the invention uses electrical field coupling between the bridge and antenna ends, eliminating the need for plastic materials while maintaining electrical connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary dielectric layer between the bridge and antenna ends to enable capacitive coupling. This intermediary element allows electrical connection through field interaction rather than direct mechanical contact, solving the contradiction between electrical connection and plastic-free material requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If crimp connections are used to connect the bridge and antenna, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmanufacturing method
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical crimp connection manufacturing processes with simpler capacitive coupling. The bridge and antenna ends are positioned close together with a dielectric layer between them, eliminating the need for complex crimping operations and reducing manufacturing steps while achieving reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If plastic substrate is used, then crimp connection is enabled, but environmental friendliness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrimp connectionVSAvoidplastic material
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical crimp connection system that requires plastic substrates by implementing capacitive coupling. This allows the use of environmentally friendly non-plastic substrates while maintaining ease of manufacture through simplified production processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical connection mechanism from mechanical contact to electrical field coupling. This parameter change in the connection method allows elimination of plastic materials while maintaining manufacturing ease, as the capacitive coupling can be achieved through simple positioning and dielectric layer application.

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 approach allows for the production of RFID identifiers with minimal plastic content, utilizing two-layer structures and avoiding complex manufacturing methods, while maintaining functionality and durability.

Implementation Method 1

The first end of the coil antenna is capacitively coupled to the first end of the bridge and the second end of the coil antenna is capacitively coupled to the second end of the bridge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a coil antenna on the first surface of the substrate and an integrated circuit on a chip coupled to the coil antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4292015B1An RFID identifier
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 CONFIDEX OY
  • EP4292015B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4292015B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4292015B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c

AI summary

An RFID identifier (1) comprises a substrate (2) having a first surface and a second surface, a coil antenna (4) on the first surface of the substrate (2) and an integrated circuit on a chip (7) coupled to the coil antenna (4). The substrate (2) comprises biodegradable material. The first end and the second end of the coil antenna (4) are connected by a bridge (8). The first end of the coil antenna is coupled to the first end of the bridge and the second end of the coil antenna is coupled to the second end of the bridge. The coil antenna (4) and the bridge (8) are electrically isolated between the first and the second end of the bridge. At least either of the first end of the coil antenna or the second end of the coil antenna is capacitively coupled to the corresponding end of the bridge.