Activatable RF Tag Antenna for Variable Read Range Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental indicators for products require careful handling to prevent premature activation, complicating supply chains and increasing costs due to the need for specific storage conditions before association with the host product.
Innovation Solution
An RF tag with integrated circuits and antennas, featuring activatable environmental exposure indicators using microcapsules with frangible shells containing conductive materials that liquefy and rupture in response to predetermined exposures, allowing for controlled activation and altered read ranges based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If environmental indicators are kept in deep freeze or refrigerated conditions to prevent premature activation, then the indicator reliability is improved, but the device complexity and supply chain complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator is pre-activated by applying a first action (e.g., heat treatment) before being associated with the host product. This preliminary activation prepares the indicator internally so that subsequent environmental exposures can be detected reliably without requiring special storage conditions during supply and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the activation function from the indicator itself and places it in the host product or application process. The indicator is designed to be activated by the first action applied during manufacturing or preparation, separating the activation step from the monitoring step and eliminating the need for refrigerated storage during distribution.
2Reliability
If environmental indicators require special storage conditions before association with host product, then the indicator reliability is improved, but the loss of time and supply chain efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator undergoes preliminary activation during the manufacturing or preparation phase of the host product. This ensures the indicator is ready for immediate use upon association with the host product, eliminating time lost during storage and handling while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator is designed to automatically respond to environmental exposures after activation without requiring external intervention or special storage conditions. The activation and monitoring functions are integrated into the indicator's design, allowing it to serve itself during the supply chain and storage periods.
3Reliability
If the same level of care is paid to the indicator to prevent premature activation, then the indicator reliability is improved, but the ease of operation and handling worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator is activated during the manufacturing or preparation process of the host product, before it reaches the user. This preliminary activation eliminates the need for users to handle the indicator with special care during storage and transportation, as the critical activation has already occurred.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensitive activation function is extracted from the indicator and performed during the host product's manufacturing or preparation process. This separates the sensitive operation from the user's handling process, allowing users to simply attach and monitor the indicator without worrying about premature activation.
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
Enables precise tracking and activation of environmental exposures without premature triggering, simplifying supply chains and reducing costs by ensuring indicators are activated only when associated with the host product.
Implementation Method 1
The liquefiable material is configured to liquefy responsive to a predetermined environmental exposure
Implementation Method 2
Each frangible shell is configured to rupture in response to an application of an activation action exceeding a predetermined activation threshold, releasing the respective payload
Implementation Method 3
RFID tags are commonly used to track products throughout their lifecycle
Data Source
AI summary
Activatable RF tags with variable read range are disclosed herein. An example activatable RF tag with variable read range includes an RF tag, including an integrated circuit, an antenna, having a first antenna portion and a second antenna portion, the first antenna portion electrically connected in a closed circuit with the integrated circuit, and an activatable environmental exposure indicator having a conductive state and a nonconductive state, the second antenna portion in the closed circuit with the integrated circuit when the activatable environmental exposure indicator is in the conductive state and second antenna portion in an open circuit when the activatable environmental exposure indicator is in the nonconductive state.