Embedded RFID Tag for Secure Container Retrofitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID tags can be easily removed and reused, posing a security risk, and are difficult to retrofit onto containers with plastic bodies or handles due to long epoxy cure times and visibility, which makes them prone to being knocked off.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrically shaped RFID tag assembly with a tapered body, an annular ring to prevent falling, and radial anchor structures to secure the tag within a drilled opening in the object, allowing for secure attachment and easy retrofitting onto containers like LPG cylinders with plastic handles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive is used to affix RFID tag to plastic container, then tag can be attached to container, but long epoxy cure times are required and tag is readily visible and removable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag attachment processVSAvoidepoxy cure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical anchoring system. The cylindrical body with radial anchor structures inserts into a drilled hole in the plastic container, using mechanical interlocking instead of epoxy adhesive. This eliminates the long cure time requirement while securely attaching the RFID tag assembly to the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If adhesive is used to affix RFID tag to plastic container, then tag can be attached to container, but tag is readily visible and can be knocked off or removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag attachment processVSAvoidtag security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the RFID tag from a surface-mounted position to an embedded position within the container structure. The cylindrical body inserts into a drilled hole, placing the tag inside the container body rather than on the external surface. This dimensional change from surface to embedded positioning prevents the tag from being visible and susceptible to knocking off or removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If RFID tag is made secure and non-removable, then security risk is reduced, but installation difficulty increases for plastic containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag securityVSAvoidretrofitting process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the drilling action as a preliminary step before insertion. A hole is pre-drilled into the plastic container at the desired location, creating a prepared receptacle for the cylindrical body. This preliminary action simplifies the overall installation process by separating the complex secure attachment function into a simple drill-and-insert sequence, making retrofitting easier while ensuring secure, non-removable tag installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11461610B2Apparatus and methods for retrofitting an object with an RFID transponder

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 TROVAN LTD

AI summary

In one embodiment, an assembly includes: a body having a generally cylindrical shape encompassing an internal cavity extending from a first end of the body towards a second end of the body; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder positioned within the internal cavity. The assembly may be inserted into an opening made in an object in order to affix the RFID transponder to the object.