Helical Flexible RFID Tag for Object Gripping and Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID tags made of metallic wire do not fully capitalize on the characteristics of strength, flexibility, and conductivity, limiting their effectiveness in applications such as inventory control, identification, and theft prevention.
Innovation Solution
Development of flexible RFID wire tags with a helical antenna that can deform from an initial to an expanded configuration, incorporating gripping elements, adhesives, and heat shrink sleeves to securely attach to objects, and utilizing deformable filaments or fibers to modify operational parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wire antennas are used in RFID tags for inventory control and tracking, then the tags can be inserted into clothing items and soft goods, but the antennas do not fully capitalize on the characteristics of strength, flexibility, and conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is designed with a deformable helical configuration that can dynamically change shape. It transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state for gripping, allowing the same structure to adapt to different phases of application while providing reliable retention
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna utilizes changes in physical parameters (shape, volume, configuration) to achieve different functions. By transforming from a compact helical form to an expanded configuration, the antenna changes its gripping force and contact surface area, thereby adapting to the object while maintaining reliable attachment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the helical antenna is expanded to grip larger objects, then the RFID tag can secure bigger items, but the antenna must return to its initial configuration to maintain gripping force
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna employs elastic memory properties to automatically return to its initial helical configuration after expansion. This self-recovering mechanism eliminates the need for complex active control systems, allowing the antenna to adapt to various object sizes while maintaining gripping force through its inherent material properties
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is constructed as a flexible helical structure that can be deformed and expanded. This flexible design allows it to adapt to different object sizes by changing its configuration, while the elastic material ensures it returns to its original shape to maintain gripping force without requiring complex mechanisms
3Reliability
If gripping elements with high friction are added to the antenna, then the RFID tag can securely hold objects, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Gripping elements with high friction coefficients are applied only at specific locations on the antenna surface where contact with the object occurs. This localized enhancement of friction properties improves holding capability without requiring the entire antenna structure to be complex or bulky
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
Enhances the ability of RFID tags to securely grip and track objects, detect movement, and prevent theft by utilizing the inherent properties of metallic and polymeric materials, allowing for improved inventory management and security.
Implementation Method 1
the tag includes 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
Implementation Method 2
the flexible RFID wire tag is configured to return the helical antenna from the expanded helical configuration toward the initial helical configuration, such that an object or a portion of an object positioned within the open interior of the helical antenna in the expanded helical configuration and having an outer diameter greater than the first diameter will be contacted and gripped
Data Source
AI summary
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.