Post-Application Editing of Chipless RFID Tags via Resonator Dampening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chipless RFID tags have fixed resonator configurations, making them expensive to produce and unable to change their identification frequency after manufacturing or attachment to an article, limiting their versatility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The RFID tag includes a multiresonator system with a dampener that can alter its resonation frequency by using a chemical agent or fusible links, allowing it to change its response signal from a first to a second frequency after being attached to an article, enabling dynamic identification based on various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each RFID tag is given a unique multiresonator design during manufacture, then unique identification capability is achieved, but production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resonator configuration changeable after manufacturing. A dampener mechanism is introduced that can selectively dampen specific resonators based on external stimuli (magnetic field, temperature, etc.), allowing the tag to dynamically switch between different resonant frequency patterns. This enables unique identification capability without requiring unique physical designs for each tag, as the same physical tag can generate different identification patterns through controlled dampening of different resonators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by altering the operational state of resonators through external stimuli. By applying magnetic fields, temperature changes, or other environmental factors, the resonant parameters (frequency, quality factor) of specific resonators can be modified or dampened. This allows a single tag design to produce multiple different resonant patterns, achieving unique identification without unique physical designs for each tag.
2Reliability
If the resonator configuration is hardwired during manufacture, then the tag structure is simple and reliable, but the tag cannot change its identification frequency after attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms that allow the resonator configuration to change after manufacturing while maintaining structural reliability. The dampener system can be activated by external stimuli to selectively dampen specific resonators, enabling the tag to adapt its identification frequency post-attachment without compromising the stability of the overall tag structure. The physical resonators remain fixed, but their operational states become dynamic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary dampening mechanism that mediates between the fixed physical structure and the desired frequency changes. This dampener acts as a mediator that can selectively interact with specific resonators through external stimuli (magnetic fields, temperature), allowing frequency adaptation without requiring physical reconfiguration or compromising structural reliability. The dampener enables controlled interaction between the environment and the resonator system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple unique tag designs are manufactured, then each tag has a fixed identification pattern, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single multiresonator tag structure that can perform multiple identification functions. Instead of manufacturing different physical designs for each tag, the same universal tag design can generate different identification patterns by selectively dampening different resonators based on external stimuli. This multi-functionality allows one physical design to serve multiple identification purposes, dramatically reducing production complexity while maintaining pattern uniqueness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to enable a single static physical design to produce multiple dynamic identification patterns. By incorporating controllable dampening mechanisms that respond to external stimuli, the tag can dynamically switch between different resonant patterns without requiring multiple physical designs. This reduces production complexity from manufacturing multiple unique designs to manufacturing one adaptable design.
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 solution allows the RFID tag to output different frequencies in response to interrogation signals, enabling multiple identification states without the need for re-manufacturing, thus enhancing its adaptability and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more of the radio frequencies may include a frequency-dependent antenna load that is intercepted by the receive antenna and causes the multiresonator to resonate
Implementation Method 2
a dampener configured to selectively dampen resonation of the resonator
Data Source
AI summary
A method and structure for a radio frequency identification (RFID) system including an RFID tag. The RFID tag can include a dampener configured to dampen a resonation of a resonator. Prior to dampening the resonation of the resonator using the dampener, the RFID tag may be configured to transmit a first response signal from a transmit antenna. Subsequent to dampening of the resonation of the resonator using the dampener, the RFID tag may be configured to transmit a second response signal that is different from the first response signal. The dampener may include a chemical agent or a fusible link.