Flexible Wire RFID Tag With Helical Antenna Grip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID tags utilizing metallic wire antennas do not fully capitalize on the characteristics of strength, flexibility, and conductivity, limiting their effectiveness in applications such as inventory control and theft prevention.
Innovation Solution
Development of flexible RFID wire tags with a deformable helical antenna that can expand and contract to grip objects, incorporating features like gripping elements, adhesives, and heat shrink sleeves to secure the tag, and utilizing a reactive strap for improved mechanical robustness and wireless association with the RFID chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional rigid RFID tag is used, then the antenna structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to different object shapes and sizes, limiting versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the antenna flexible and deformable rather than rigid. The antenna can dynamically change its shape to conform to different object geometries, enabling a single antenna design to adapt to various objects including cylindrical, rectangular, and irregular shapes. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements this principle by using a flexible wire antenna that can be bent and deformed to wrap around or conform to objects of different shapes and sizes. The flexible nature of the antenna allows it to adapt to various object geometries without requiring multiple specialized antenna designs, thereby improving versatility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Strength
If the RFID tag is made flexible and deformable, then it can grip objects and improve security, but the mechanical strength and structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the RFID tag into distinct functional components: a flexible antenna element for gripping, a separate RFID chip for identification, and optional adhesive or heat shrink components for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, resolving the contradiction between flexibility for gripping and structural stability for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements composite materials by combining the flexible wire antenna with adhesive materials or heat shrink sleeves. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for gripping and the structural stability required for reliable operation. The adhesive or heat shrink components reinforce the flexible antenna, ensuring it maintains its grip while providing consistent RFID functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the antenna is made from metallic wire for good conductivity, then RF energy transmission is improved, but the flexibility and ability to deform is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using metallic wire material specifically for the antenna portion where high RF conductivity is required, while the overall tag structure incorporates flexible elements and deformable components. This localized use of conductive material optimizes RF performance in the critical antenna region while maintaining flexibility in other parts of the tag structure, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and adaptability.
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 flexible RFID tags effectively secure to various objects, enhance mechanical robustness, and provide stimulus-activated modulation for theft detection, offering improved functionality and versatility in tracking and identification applications.
Implementation Method 1
The helical antenna is configured to be deformed from an initial helical configuration in which an open interior of the helical antenna has a first diameter to an expanded helical configuration in which the open interior of the helical antenna has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter
Implementation Method 2
at least one gripping element configured to have a greater sliding friction with the object or portion of an object than the helical antenna
Implementation Method 3
an adhesive positioned at discrete locations along the helical antenna and configured to adhere the helical antenna to at least a portion of the object
Implementation Method 4
a heat shrink sleeve around at least a portion of the helical antenna, upon heating the heat shrink sleeve returns the helical antenna form the expanded configuration toward the initial configuration
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~12
Figure 13~17
AI summary
of the Disclosure A flexible RFID wire tag includes an RFID chip and an associated antenna formed of a deformable filament. The antenna may be helically shaped and deformable from an initial helical configuration to an expanded helical configuration having a greater diameter. An object or a portion of an object is positioned within an open interior of the helical antenna and then the antenna is returned from the expanded configuration to the initial configuration to cause the antenna to contact and grip the object. In another aspect, first and second ends of the antenna are secured to an object, with the filament being configured to deform and/or vibrate upon being subjected to a stimulus so as to modify at least one operational parameter of the antenna. Such a deformable filament may be helical or may be differently configured, such as to be incorporated into a cardboard ticket.