Detachable RFID Switch Tag for Multi-Frequency Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID tags lack flexibility to operate effectively in multiple frequencies, limiting their application in diverse RFID systems such as electronic toll collection and contactless payment systems.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency identification (RFID) switch tag design featuring a base component with an ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster and a detachable component containing both UHF and high frequency (HF) RFID modules, allowing configuration changes to support operations in multiple frequencies by coupling or decoupling the modules as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional RFID tag uses a single fixed frequency design, then the tag structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the tag cannot operate in multiple frequencies limiting application versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is divided into two separate modules: a base component containing the HF RFID module and a detachable component containing the UHF RFID module. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific frequency while maintaining overall system versatility. The detachable component can be attached or detached as needed, enabling multi-frequency operation without permanently increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag transitions from a static single-frequency design to a dynamic multi-frequency design where the detachable component can be attached or detached. This dynamic configuration allows the tag to adapt its frequency capability based on application requirements, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by making the additional functionality optional rather than permanent.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detachable component is detached from the base component, then the HF RFID module can function as a standalone NFC tag, but the UHF RFID module becomes nonfunctional due to decoupling from the UHF booster
Solution Approach 1:
The UHF RFID module is extracted into a separate detachable component that can be removed from the base component. When detached, the UHF module becomes nonfunctional due to decoupling from the UHF booster, but this enables the HF module to function as a standalone NFC tag. This extraction resolves the contradiction by allowing the HF module to operate independently while accepting that UHF functionality is lost when detached.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational states: attached mode where both HF and UHF modules function together, and detached mode where only the HF module functions as a standalone NFC tag. This dynamic behavior allows the tag to adapt its functionality based on whether the detachable component is attached or removed, resolving the contradiction between standalone HF functionality and UHF reliability.
3Reliability
If the detachable component is positioned in close proximity to the base component, then the UHF RFID module couples sufficiently to the UHF booster for desired operating range, but the tag occupies more space when in configured state
Solution Approach 1:
The tag is segmented into a base component and a detachable component that can be separated. When the detachable component is attached, it positions close to the base component to enable sufficient coupling between the UHF RFID module and UHF booster for desired operating range. The segmented design allows the tag to achieve reliable UHF operation when needed while minimizing occupied area when the detachable component is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag dynamically changes its physical configuration between attached and detached states. In the attached state, the detachable component occupies additional space to enable proper coupling for UHF operation. In the detached state, the occupied area is minimized. This dynamic spatial configuration resolves the contradiction between achieving sufficient coupling area for reliability and minimizing overall tag area.
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
Enables extended operating ranges for UHF RFID systems and maintains functionality of HF RFID modules as standalone NFC tags, facilitating seamless switching between different RFID applications like HOV and SOV lanes.
Implementation Method 1
a base component having an ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster, such as an UHF booster antenna
Implementation Method 2
RFID technology harnesses electromagnetic fields to transfer data wirelessly
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency identification (RFID) switch tag is disclosed. This RFID switch tag includes a base component having an ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster, and a detachable component having at least one UHF RFID module and a high frequency (HF) RFID module. In some embodiments, the detachable component is positioned in close proximity to the base component in a first configuration of the RFID switch tag such that the at least one UHF RFID module is sufficiently coupled to the UHF booster in the base component to form an UHF RFID system having a desired performance. The detachable component can also be separated from the base component to obtain a second configuration of the RFID switch tag, and the HF RFID module remains functional within the detached detachable component so that the detachable component can be used as a standalone HF RFID tag.