Reactive RFID Strap Clip for Removable Metal Tag Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID tags for metallic objects are often permanently attached and lack the ability to induce a current flow, necessitating a removable and reactive RFID strap that can be easily secured to metallic items and induce a far field antenna response.

Innovation Solution

A reactive RFID strap comprising an RFID chip and conductor component secured to a clip, which can be attached to metallic objects using various methods, including surface deflections and adhesive fixing points, to induce a far field antenna response through electric or magnetic fields, or both.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID tags are permanently attached to metallic objects, then reliability of identification is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to remove or reposition tags

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification reliabilityVSAvoidtag attachment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag system transitions from static permanent attachment to dynamic removable attachment through the clip mechanism, allowing the tag to be easily attached and detached from metallic objects while maintaining reliable identification functionality during use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If RFID tags use simple attachment methods like clips, then ease of operation is improved for removable attachment, but reliability deteriorates due to potential detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment easeVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clip component utilizes curved or rounded geometric features that conform to the contours of metallic objects, providing secure mechanical engagement through shape complementarity while maintaining ease of attachment and removal operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If RFID tags are attached to metallic objects, then identification capability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to interference with electromagnetic fields

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reactive strap serves as an intermediary component between the RFID tag electronics and the metallic object, inducing current flow in the metal to create a virtual antenna that reduces direct electromagnetic interference while maintaining identification capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If RFID tags induce current flow in metallic objects, then identification reliability is improved through far field response, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefar field response capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The metallic object itself serves as the antenna through induced current flow, eliminating the need for a separate high-energy antenna system on the RFID tag, thereby achieving far field response with reduced energy consumption from the tag's power source

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for removable and robust attachment of RFID tags to metallic objects, enabling efficient induction of a far field antenna response, suitable for tracking and identification purposes.

Implementation Method 1

the reactive RFID strap can induce a far field RFID antenna response

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The coupling of the conductors to the antenna can be achieved using a conductive connection, an electric field connection, magnetic connection or a combination of coupling methods

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

The coupling of the conductors to the antenna can be achieved using a conductive connection, an electric field connection, magnetic connection or a combination of coupling methods

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4131073B1Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for metallic and three-dimensional (3D) objects and methods of making and using thereof
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES LLC
  • EP4131073B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4131073B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3C
  • EP4131073B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

RFID tags for use on a non-planar surface of an object, packaging around the object, or a metallic object, and methods of making and using thereof are disclosed. For 3D objects, the method comprises forming an antenna on the non-planar surface and positioning a reactive RFID strap in proximity to the antenna. The reactive RFID strap can induce a far field antenna response, wherein coupling can occur via electric fields, magnetic fields, or both. For metallic objects, an antenna is formed on the surface of a substrate. An RFID chip or strap is attached and the clip component cut. The clip components can be modified to help secure the clip component to the metallic item by adding surface deflections, adhesive fixing points, or tabs designed to engage with an existing hole or opening in the metallic item package or object.