Dual-Mode RFID Strap and Antenna Layout for Lower-Cost Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dual-mode RFID devices are expensive due to the use of etching techniques for manufacturing, particularly for HF and UHF antennas, which limits cost-effective production and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A dual-mode RFID device with an integrated strap containing a conductive ring and HF antenna, coupled to a RFID chip assembly, that can couple magnetically, conductively, or capacitively with a UHF antenna without physical contact, using a common substrate and forming UHF antennas through cost-effective methods like die-cutting or laser-cutting, and employing a dual-mode RFID chip that can operate in both HF and UHF frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If etching techniques are used to manufacture HF and UHF antennas, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna manufacturing precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna system into two separate frequency systems (HF and UHF), each with its own antenna and chip pair. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized and manufactured independently using appropriate techniques, reducing overall complexity and cost while maintaining precision for each frequency band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dual-mode RFID chip that can operate in both HF and UHF frequency bands. This multi-functional chip reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs while maintaining the precision required for both frequency operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual-mode RFID chip is used to operate in both HF and UHF frequencies, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band adaptabilityVSAvoidchip and antenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the dual-frequency system into distinct HF and UHF subsystems, each with dedicated antennas and chip pairs. This segmentation reduces the complexity within each subsystem while maintaining overall versatility through the ability to operate in both frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a substrate as an intermediary element that electrically couples the HF and UHF antenna-chip pairs. This intermediary structure simplifies the integration of dual-mode functionality by providing a common platform for both frequency systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces manufacturing costs and enables efficient production of dual-mode RFID devices with reduced material wastage, allowing for easy configuration and integration with UHF antennas formed without etching, thereby enhancing sustainability and scalability.

Implementation Method 1

couple magnetically, conductively, or capacitively with a UHF antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

couple magnetically, conductively, or capacitively with a UHF antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

The disruptions direct a high frequency current around the turns of the multi-turn high frequency antenna, while allowing an ultra high frequency current to flow across the disruptions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4081947B1Dual-mode RFID devices
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES LLC
  • EP4081947B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4081947B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4081947B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Dual-mode RFID devices are provided with an integrated dual-mode RFID strap including either a UHF/HF dual-mode RFID chip or the combination of a UHF RFID chip and an HF RFID chip. An HF antenna and a UHF antenna are both coupled to the integrated dual-mode RFID strap, with the UHF antenna being formed by an approach other than etching, such as a cutting or printing operation, thereby reducing the cost to manufacture the device. If a pair of chips is employed, one of the chips may have a greater thickness than the other chip, which allows for the thicker chip to be incorporated into the device after the thinner chip without requiring a minimum separation between the two chips due to the size of a thermode used to secure the chips. Additionally, the first chip may be tested before securing the second chip, thereby limiting the cost of a rejected device.