Printed Battery Tag for Long-Range Low-Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID tags, both passive and active, face limitations in range and battery life, with passive tags requiring proximity for power and active tags being costly due to battery drain and expense.
Innovation Solution
A transmitting tag with a printed battery and low-power long-range transmitter, utilizing a printing process for both battery and circuit connections, enabling flexible and cost-effective long-range communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If active RFID tags use a battery to enable long-range transmission, then transmission range is improved, but battery drain and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter operates in periodic bursts rather than continuously. The system transmits data in intervals, allowing the battery to recharge from ambient energy sources between transmission events. This periodic operation pattern reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining long-range transmission capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery serves itself by recharging from ambient energy sources (such as RF energy from the transmitter or environmental energy) without requiring external replacement. The tag can harvest energy from the transmission signals themselves or from the environment to replenish its battery, eliminating the need for frequent manual battery replacement.
2Length of moving object
If active RFID tags use a battery for long-range transmission, then transmission range is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost, disposable battery components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Rather than using expensive rechargeable battery systems, the solution uses inexpensive primary batteries or energy-harvesting components that extend device lifespan through periodic operation, reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system serves multiple functions: providing power for transmission, being recharged from ambient sources, and potentially serving as part of the energy-harvesting mechanism itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power management components, lowering overall device cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard RFID tags are made physically rigid to accommodate battery components, then battery integration is improved, but application flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible printed circuit boards and thin-film battery technologies that can be bent, folded, or conformally attached to various surfaces. These flexible components maintain electrical connectivity while adapting to different application geometries, enabling deployment in curved surfaces, irregular shapes, and space-constrained environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery and circuit components are designed as thin, planar structures that can be layered or stacked in multiple dimensions. This allows the tag to maintain a low profile while accommodating all necessary components, and enables flexible mounting orientations without compromising functionality.
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 provides low-cost, long-range transmission with extended battery life and physical flexibility, overcoming range and cost limitations of traditional RFID tags.
Implementation Method 1
A tag is provided that includes a battery having a printed anode and cathode
Implementation Method 2
A low-power transmitter is connected to the circuit connection layer... providing an identification of the device that contains the RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
A tag is provided that includes a battery having a printed anode and cathode. A printed circuit connection layer is formed in one of the anode or the cathode. A printed antenna is formed in one of the anode or the cathode. A low-power transmitter coupled to the circuit connection layer.