Pet Identification Tag with Shared Antenna for RFID and NFC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID-based identification tags for pets are limited in their applications and require specialized reader equipment, restricting their use to professional settings and lacking advanced communication capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The development of an identification tag that combines RFID and NFC technologies, featuring a shared antenna with separate pads for each technology, and includes circuit blocks with integrated ICs and storage media, allowing for dual communication capabilities and enhanced data management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID technology is used in identification tags, then traceability and data retrieval capabilities are improved, but the requirement for specialized reader equipment limits adaptability and restricts applications to professional settings

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetraceabilityVSAvoidapplication settings

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The identification tag is designed to support multiple communication technologies (RFID and NFC) within a single device, enabling it to function in both professional settings requiring RFID readers and consumer settings with mobile devices. The tag includes separate circuit blocks for RFID and NFC operations, allowing it to serve universal identification needs across different environments without requiring specialized equipment for basic functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a shared antenna is used for both RFID and NFC technologies, then device complexity is reduced, but interference between the two technologies may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna structureVSAvoidcommunication stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shared antenna is divided into distinct RFID and NFC portions with separate contact pads and circuit blocks. This segmentation allows each technology to operate independently on the same antenna structure, reducing interference while maintaining a compact design. The physical separation of circuit blocks minimizes electromagnetic interference between RFID and NFC operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If separate circuit blocks are used for RFID and NFC ICs, then interference between technologies is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetechnology isolationVSAvoidcircuit assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple circuit blocks (RFID IC, NFC IC, and isolation block) are integrated onto a single substrate, combining multiple functions into one manufactured unit. This merging approach simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled, while the internal layout maintains electrical isolation between RFID and NFC circuits to prevent interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If dual-technology capabilities are integrated into a single tag, then adaptability and new applications are enabled, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilitiesVSAvoidtag size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC and RFID circuit blocks are nested within a compact substrate structure, with the isolation block positioned between them to provide electrical separation. This nested arrangement allows dual-technology functionality to be integrated into a small form factor suitable for implantation in animals, minimizing the increase in device volume while maintaining both communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This dual-technology tag enables new applications and improved functionality, such as bi-directional communication, enhanced data security, and integration with mobile devices, while maintaining compatibility with existing RFID systems.

Implementation Method 1

RFID uses radio waves as a medium to transmit information. An RFID tag stores data and, upon being interrogated by a reader, communicates the stored data to a reader or scanner device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12223382B2Identification tag, identification tag accessory, and methods and systems for using an identification tag and identification tag accessory

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 GOCHIP PET TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a tag suitable for use with pets and other animals. The tag may be a glass tag that includes an antenna, a first circuit block and a second circuit block. The antenna has a common core having a coil wound around the core. The coil interconnects a first antenna pad, a second antenna pad and a third antenna pad; a first circuit block having a first and a second contact pad, the first and second antenna pads interconnected to the first and second contact pads respectively. The second circuit block has a third and a fourth contact pads. The second and third antenna pads interconnected to the third and fourth contact pads respectively. The first circuit block may be an RFID integrated circuit and the second circuit block may be an NFC IC.