Flexible RFID Strap Structure for Stitch-Attached Clothing Tags

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID tags attached to clothing are stiff, causing discomfort and potential damage due to bending, and require separate labels that incur additional expense for sewing or attachment.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device with a reactive strap including an RFID chip and a ring-shaped conductor on a flexible substrate, where the conductor defines openings for stitches to secure the device to a flexible article without penetrating the substrate, using materials like copper wire and thermoplastic polyurethane for enhanced flexibility and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If RFID tags are made stiff for durability, then the device structure is stable, but comfort deteriorates and bending damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag uses a flexible substrate instead of rigid materials, allowing the tag to bend and move with the clothing without causing discomfort or structural failure. The flexible substrate maintains structural integrity while adapting to deformation, resolving the contradiction between stability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If separate labels are constructed and attached to clothing, then the RFID device can be securely attached, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is integrated directly into the clothing fabric as a single unit, combining the label and attachment functions into the garment itself. This eliminates the need for separate labels and attachment processes, reducing manufacturing steps and costs while maintaining secure attachment through the stitching holes in the flexible substrate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4081941B1Wireless communication device having a stiffness altering structure
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES LLC
  • EP4081941B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4081941B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

In some embodiments, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device may include a reactive strap may include a conductor enclosing an area and an RFID chip connected to the conductor, the conductor enclosing an area and defining a first opening, and a flexible substrate attached to the conductor and defining a second opening. The first and second openings together may define a passage through both the conductor and the flexible backing material.