Flexible RFID Tag Structure for Mechanical Load Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic tags are sensitive to mechanical loads and harsh conditions, leading to damage or destruction, especially in high-weight applications like the metal or glass industries, and are not flexible enough to be applied on thin products without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
A flexible protected electronic tag with a radio frequency identification circuit enclosed in a flexible circuit layer and protected by spacer elements that form an air gap, distributing mechanical loads away from the sensitive circuitry, and featuring precuts and a tamper loop to prevent removal without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electronic tags are applied on high-weight products like glass panels, stone piles or metal beams, then the tags can be used for identification, but the mechanical load from stacking products destroys the tag functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a recess in the circuit layer that receives a cushioning element (air gap). This cushioning element is positioned before mechanical loads are applied, allowing it to absorb and distribute the forces from stacking products, thereby protecting the electronic circuit from damage while maintaining tag functionality under high-weight conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies another dimension by transitioning from a flat two-dimensional tag structure to a three-dimensional structure with a recess and protruding cushioning element. This vertical dimension allows the cushioning element to absorb mechanical loads through compression in the third dimension, protecting the circuit layer while maintaining flexibility for application on various product surfaces
2Reliability
If hard tags with closed robust housing are used to protect electronics from impacts and shocks, then the electronics are protected, but the tags are not flexible and cannot be applied on all necessary surfaces including thin products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using a flexible circuit layer as the base structure instead of a rigid housing. The circuit layer can be bent and conform to various surfaces including thin products like metal sheets and glass panels. The cushioning element provides protection while the flexible nature of the circuit layer maintains adaptability for application on diverse product surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines beforehand cushioning with flexible structures by placing a cushioning element in a recess of the flexible circuit layer. This cushioning element is positioned in advance to protect the electronics from impacts and shocks, while the flexible circuit layer maintains its ability to conform to various surfaces, thus achieving both protection and application flexibility
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional tags are made from die-cut plastics, papers, or metals with printed information, then the tags can be manufactured simply, but the tags lack electronic functionality for digital information storage and reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a flexible circuit layer (providing structural base and flexibility), an electronic circuit with antenna (providing RFID functionality for digital information storage and reading), and a cushioning element (providing mechanical protection). This composite structure integrates simple manufacturing aspects of traditional tags with advanced electronic functionality, allowing the tag to be manufactured using adapted conventional processes while enabling digital information storage and wireless communication
4Reliability
If tamper-evident labels with slits or weakened portions are used to prevent access without visible evidence, then tampering detection is enabled, but the labels do not automatically destroy the electronic tag upon removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a tamper loop antenna that is pre-configured to detect removal attempts. When the tag is removed from the product, the change in electromagnetic field or physical state of the tamper loop automatically triggers destruction of the electronic circuit, preventing unauthorized use. This automatic response eliminates the need for complex external monitoring systems while ensuring reliable tamper detection and prevention
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 solution effectively protects the electronic circuit from mechanical damage and tampering, allowing application on thin products and high-weight items without functional loss, while preventing unauthorized removal.
Implementation Method 1
The spacer element extends from the top side of the flexible circuit layer vertically beyond the radio frequency identification circuit, thereby forming an air gap between the top of the spacer element and the top of the radio frequency identification circuit
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a flexible protected electronic tag for application on a product, and to a product and/or a packaging comprising the flexible protected electronic tag, which comprises a radio frequency identification circuit with an antenna, wherein the flexible protected electronic tag further comprises a flexible circuit layer, having a product side configured to be attached to the product and a top side, wherein the flexible circuit layer comprises the radio frequency identification circuit. The flexible protected electronic tag further comprises a spacer element arranged laterally next to the radio frequency identification circuit and extending from the top side of the flexible circuit layer vertically beyond the radio frequency identification circuit, thereby forming an air gap between the top of the spacer element and the top of the radio frequency identification circuit.