Brittle RFID Inlay for Tamper-Proof Container Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

RFID tags with IC chips attached to containers can have their communication function lost due to external forces, leading to potential unauthorized use or tampering, as existing technologies do not effectively prevent the removal or destruction of the tag once attached.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring a substrate with brittle parts and a covering film that can be easily torn by external forces, ensuring the antenna and IC chip are destroyed when the film is removed, thereby preventing unauthorized use by incorporating a substrate like paper or synthetic paper with high brittleness and a shrink film with brittle parts for easy tearing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an IC tag label is attached to a container to enable RFID communication, then the communication function is maintained, but the tag can be peeled off and diverted or tampered with

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRFID communication functionVSAvoidUnauthorized removal or tampering
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The label is divided into a first label portion and a second label portion connected by a tear strip. The tear strip is a predetermined separation line that allows the label to be easily torn into two parts, with the RFID tag integrated into one portion and the other portion serving as a detachable cover or seal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The label is designed with a tear strip that creates a predetermined weakness, allowing it to be easily torn when needed. This preliminary structural preparation enables controlled destruction of the RFID tag's communication function through simple tearing action, preventing unauthorized removal or tampering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If the IC tag label is made durable to maintain constant strength during use, then the RFID function is maintained, but the tag cannot be easily destroyed when removed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLabel strength during attachmentVSAvoidDestruction upon removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The label structure is segmented into durable portions for maintaining strength during use and a vulnerable tear strip for controlled destruction. The tear strip creates a predetermined separation line that concentrates stress, allowing the label to be easily torn into two parts while the main body maintains its structural integrity during normal attachment and use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the label have different mechanical properties: the main label body is made durable to maintain constant strength and rigidity during attachment, while the tear strip is designed with reduced strength to enable easy tearing and destruction of the RFID tag's communication function when removed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution effectively destroys the antenna's communication function when an external force is applied, preventing unauthorized acts such as replacing the container's contents by ensuring the inlay is easily torn along with the covering film, thus maintaining the integrity of the RFID tag's function during its intended use.

Implementation Method 1

the covering film is a shrink film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShrinkage: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP2960834B1container
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 TOPPAN HOLDINGS INC
  • EP2960834B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2960834B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP2960834B1 patent drawingFigure 9~11

AI summary

This container is provided with a container main body (8), an inlet (3) including a substrate, an IC chip and an antenna, and a covering film (7) that covers a part of an outer surface of the container main body (8) and has a brittle part (13). The brittle part (13) is a part easily torn by an external force than parts other than the brittle part (13) in the covering film (7). At least a part of the inlet (3) is positioned between the covering film (7) and the outer surface of the container main body (8) and adhered to the covering film (7). The brittle part (13) covers at least a part of the antenna.