RFID Apparel Tag with Fluid-Impermeable Protective Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
RFID tags used in inventory control and tracking of garments are often damaged or detuned during washing and dry cleaning processes, making it difficult to maintain tracking and inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A durable RFID apparel tag structure featuring an RFID inlay embedded within a substrate, covered by a fluid-impermeable material to protect against washing and dry cleaning chemicals, with an adhesive attachment and an air gap for improved tuning, allowing the tag to withstand garment treating processes while remaining functional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tag is attached directly to garment without protection, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to damage during washing and dry cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible protective layer (such as polyethylene terephthalate film) over the RFID tag to create a barrier that protects the electronic components from washing and dry cleaning chemicals while maintaining flexibility and allowing the tag to remain functional during garment care processes
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag structure combines multiple materials including the RFID inlay, protective film layer, and adhesive materials to create a composite assembly that provides both functional performance and environmental resistance, enabling the tag to withstand harsh chemical and mechanical conditions
2Reliability
If RFID tag is embedded in adhesive only, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient protection during garment treating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible protective film layer that is applied over the RFID inlay and sealed to the substrate, creating an additional barrier layer that protects the RFID components from chemical exposure during garment treating processes while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process
3Reliability
If fluid-impermeable material is added to protect RFID inlay, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin flexible film material that provides fluid impermeability to protect the RFID inlay from chemical exposure during washing and dry cleaning, while the film's thin nature minimizes the increase in overall device complexity and maintains flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID inlay is nested within a protective structure where the fluid-impermeable material is sealed over the inlay and adhered to the substrate, creating a nested protective enclosure that protects the electronic components while organizing the layers in a compact, manageable structure
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 ensures the RFID tag remains operational and intact through garment care processes, enabling effective tracking and inventory management without damage from washing or dry cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID inlay is attached to the substrate by a pattern of adhesive
Implementation Method 2
A fluid or liquid impervious material is positioned so as to cover the RFID inlay
Implementation Method 3
with an adhesive attachment and an air gap for improved tuning
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention is in the field of garment or apparel labels that includes RFID devices. More particularly, the garment or apparel tags or labels are enclosed in a flexible bag created by a fluid impervious material that protects the RFID device from maintenance and care treatments as well as garment and apparel processing conditions which may be used to provide certain aesthetic or other characteristics to the apparel item.