Passive Resonator ID Tags Using Dielectric Frequency Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing identification tags rely on integrated circuits or discrete chips, which are costly and pose environmental concerns due to the need for recycling rare materials, and they often require direct line-of-sight and active power sources for identification.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a radio frequency identification tag with a target resonator modulated by volumes of dielectric, conductive, or insulative materials to passively broadcast unique signal characteristics, allowing identification through environmental normalization and material manipulation, eliminating the need for integrated circuits and active power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If integrated circuits or discrete chips are used in identification tags, then identification functionality is achieved, but cost increases and environmental harm increases due to recycling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the integrated circuit chip component from the identification tag system. Instead of using a chip, the invention uses a passive resonator structure that can be integrated directly into the tag without requiring separate electronic components, thereby removing the source of environmental harm associated with chip manufacturing and recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable, non-chip-based identification tags that can be easily manufactured and discarded without environmental concern. The passive resonator design allows for simple, low-cost construction using common materials, making the tags suitable for single-use applications without the need for expensive, recyclable electronic components.
2Reliability
If integrated circuits are used in identification tags, then identification functionality is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the integrated circuit component entirely, replacing it with a passive resonator structure that can be manufactured using simpler, less expensive processes. This extraction of the chip component directly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining identification functionality through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electronic/mechanical integrated circuit system with a passive electromagnetic resonator system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex chip fabrication processes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the same identification purpose through electromagnetic resonance characteristics.
3Reliability
If active power sources are used in identification tags, then identification range and reliability are improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The passive resonator tag harvests energy directly from the interrogation signal received from the reader. The resonator naturally resonates at its designated frequency when exposed to the reader's electromagnetic field, converting the received energy into the response signal needed for identification. This self-powered operation eliminates the need for batteries or other active power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses electromagnetic resonance, analogous to mechanical vibration, where the passive resonator oscillates at its natural resonant frequency when excited by the reader's interrogation signal. This resonance phenomenon enables the tag to generate its response signal without external power, leveraging the energy in the incoming signal itself.
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
Enables disposable identification tags with minimal environmental impact, capable of identification without direct line-of-sight or power supply, and provides high accuracy under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a target resonator arranged on the substrate and configured to passively broadcast a response signal exhibiting a resonant frequency
Implementation Method 2
volumes of a dielectric material arranged on the substrate proximal to the target resonator and configured to shift a resonant frequency of the response signal
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a method includes: accessing a target tag identifier for an identification tag; deriving a set of target radio frequency signal characteristics that encode the target tag identifier; and transforming the set of target radio frequency signal characteristics into a map of volumes of a dielectric material arranged proximal a target resonator within the identification tag to modulate a baseline response signal of the target resonator to passively broadcast a target response signal exhibiting the set of target radio frequency signal characteristics. This variation of the method further includes generating a print file according to the map. This variation of the method also includes, at a printer: accessing the print file; loading the identification tag including a substrate and the target resonator; and fabricating volumes of the dielectric material, proximal the target resonator, according to the print file.