RF Tag Attachment With Silicone Wrap for Waterproof Hand Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching RF tags to tools, such as using pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, banding bands, liquid rubber, or heat-shrinkable tubes, face issues like poor waterproofness, weather resistance, and positional shifting or loosening due to environmental factors, making it difficult to maintain RF tag attachment over time, especially in harsh outdoor conditions.

Innovation Solution

The use of a self-adhesive silicone rubber bonding member, which includes a first bonding member wound around the tool over the RF tag and a second bonding member disposed between the tool and the RF tag, provides a durable and waterproof attachment solution, ensuring the RF tag remains fixed at accurate positions for extended periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape is used to attach RF tags to tools, then the attachment process is simple and convenient, but the waterproofness and weather resistance are poor, causing the RF tag to become loose over time when used outdoors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidwaterproofness and weather resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite bonding structure combining self-adhesive silicone rubber sheet (providing waterproofness and weather resistance) with pressure-sensitive adhesive tape (providing ease of attachment). The silicone rubber sheet is wrapped around the tool and RF tag to form a protective bonding member that maintains both convenience and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If banding band (cable tie) is used to attach RF tags to tools, then the attachment is secure, but the banding band becomes loose in harsh environments due to expansion and contraction or degradation of resin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidlong-term stability in harsh environments
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional banding band resin to self-adhesive silicone rubber, which has superior resistance to expansion, contraction, and degradation in harsh environments. The silicone rubber bonding member maintains its bonding properties over time, ensuring long-term stability while providing secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If liquid rubber is used to attach RF tags to tools, then the attachment can be made, but the position of attachment is easily shifted because the liquid rubber is liquid at the time of attaching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidattachment position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pressure-sensitive adhesive tape locally at the attachment position to provide immediate positioning accuracy, while the self-adhesive silicone rubber sheet is wrapped around to provide overall bonding strength. This combination ensures both precise positioning and strong bonding without the shifting problem of liquid rubber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If heat-shrinkable tube is used to attach RF tags to tools, then the attachment is durable, but it is difficult to attach RF tags to positions unable to be fitted into the tube (e.g., ring-shaped portion or portion too thick)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment durabilityVSAvoidapplicability to various tool positions and shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal attachment solution where the self-adhesive silicone rubber sheet can be wrapped around various tool shapes and positions, including ring-shaped portions and thick portions that cannot accommodate heat-shrinkable tubes. The flexible sheet adapts to different geometries while providing durable attachment, making the system versatile for all tool types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This solution ensures RF tags are securely attached to tools with improved waterproofness and weather resistance, preventing shifting or loosening, even in harsh environments, and allows for easy visual confirmation of the tag's position.

Implementation Method 1

a self-adhesive silicone rubber bonding member... sticking the tool and the RF tag together by disposing the uncured self-adhesive silicone rubber sheet between the tool and the RF tag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3640853B1RF-tagged hand tool and method for attaching RF tags to hand tools
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 SHIN ETSU POLYMER CO LTD
  • EP3640853B1 patent drawingFigure 1(1a)~1(1c)
  • EP3640853B1 patent drawingFigure 2(2a)~2(2d)
  • EP3640853B1 patent drawingFigure 3(3a)~3(3b)

AI summary

[Problem] To provide an RF-tagged tool which enables long-term anchoring of RF tags to a diverse array of tools at precise points. [Solution] The present invention relates to an RF-tagged tool 1 and to a method for attaching RF tags to tools, said RF-tagged tool 1 comprising: a tool 10; an RF tag 20; and a self-adhesive silicone rubber adhesive member 30 for covering at least a portion of the RF tag 20 and adhering the RF tag 20 to the tool 10.