Retractable ID Tag Antenna for Secure Wireless Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless communication systems in computing devices, such as NFC devices, suffer from issues like interference and eavesdropping due to close proximity of devices, leading to unintended communication and security vulnerabilities.

Innovation Solution

A computing device identification tag-based system that enables/disables wireless communications by moving between retracted and extended orientations, using a wireless antenna and a subsystem to obstruct or enable communication based on the tag's position, preventing interference and enhancing security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication devices are used in computing devices positioned in close proximity, then wireless communication capability is provided, but unintended communication and security vulnerabilities occur due to overlapping communication ranges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication security and specificity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the identification tag moveable between retracted and extended orientations. The tag's position dynamically controls wireless communication enablement and disablement, allowing the system to adapt its communication state based on spatial configuration. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling selective communication activation only when needed, preventing unintended communication while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The identification tag serves as an intermediary element between the computing device and the wireless communication system. By positioning the tag in different orientations, it mediates the communication state - retracted to disable and extended to enable. This intermediary mechanism allows precise control over when wireless communication occurs, eliminating the reliability issues of conventional always-on wireless devices in close-proximity deployments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If management devices are positioned adjacent to computing devices in racks, then convenient management access is achieved, but eavesdropping using specialized equipment becomes feasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement access convenienceVSAvoideavesdropping vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic positioning of the identification tag provides a solution to the eavesdropping vulnerability while maintaining management accessibility. The tag can be extended to enable communication during authorized management operations and retracted to disable communication during unauthorized access attempts. This dynamic control creates a temporal and spatial barrier that prevents eavesdropping while allowing legitimate management devices to access computing devices when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If identification tag is extended to enable wireless communication, then communication capability is activated, but device complexity increases due to movable components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication enablement controlVSAvoidmovable tag mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification tag system implements self-service by using the tag's own physical position to control communication enablement and disablement. The movable tag automatically signals its state (extended=enable, retracted=disable) without requiring complex external control systems. This self-regulating mechanism provides effective communication control while minimizing the added complexity compared to traditional controlled wireless communication systems.

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 system effectively prevents unintended wireless communications and eavesdropping by disabling communication when the tag is retracted and enabling it when needed, improving security and reducing interference among closely spaced devices.

Implementation Method 1

A wireless antenna that is included on the identification tag and coupled to the wireless communication subsystem

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12530549B2Computing-device-identification-tag-based wireless communication enablement/disablement system

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A computing-device-identification-tag-based wireless communication enablement/disablement system includes a computing device chassis, and a computing device identification tag that is moveably coupled to the computing device chassis such that the computing device identification tag is configured to be moved between a retracted orientation in which the computing device identification tag is housed in the computing device chassis, and an extended orientation in which the computing device identification tag extends from the computing device chassis. A wireless antenna is included on the computing device identification tag. A wireless communication enablement/disablement subsystem is included in the computing device chassis and is configured to disable wireless communications via the wireless antenna when the computing device identification tag is provided in the retracted orientation, and enable wireless communications via the wireless antenna when the computing device identification tag is provided in the extended orientation.