RFID Variable Capacitance Tag for Activation and Exposure Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental indicators in RFIDs require careful handling to prevent premature activation, complicating supply chains and increasing costs due to the need for specific storage conditions before association with host products.
Innovation Solution
An RF tag with a variable capacitance structure incorporating an activation indicator component and an activatable environmental exposure indicator, which transitions between states responsive to an activation action and environmental exposure, allowing for distinct response signals to confirm activation and exposure.
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 supply chain complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing an activation indicator component that can be activated before the indicator is associated with the host product. This activation step changes the indicator from a state requiring protective storage to a state that is stable under normal conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and supply chain complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical or chemical state of the indicator through activation. The activation indicator component undergoes a parameter change (e.g., from non-conductive to conductive, or from one capacitance state to another) that permanently alters its sensitivity, allowing it to function without requiring special storage conditions while maintaining reliability
2Measurement precision
If activation indicator component is added to verify activation state, then the verification accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the activation indicator component with the environmental indicator into a single integrated structure. The activation indicator component is electrically connected to the environmental indicator through a variable capacitance structure, allowing both functions to be achieved in one device rather than requiring separate components, thus improving verification accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The variable capacitance structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the activation indicator component, provides the electrical connection between activation and environmental indicators, and enables the RF tag to detect both activation state and environmental exposure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
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
Ensures accurate and efficient activation and exposure verification of RFIDs, reducing premature activation and simplifying inventory management by allowing separate activation before association with host products.
Implementation Method 1
The variable capacitance structure has a plurality of structure capacitive states including at least a first structure capacitive state when the activation indicator component is in the unactivated state, a second structure capacitive state when the activation indicator component is in the activated state, and a third structure capacitive state when the activation indicator component is in the activated state and the activatable environmental exposure indicator is in the exposed state.
Implementation Method 2
The integrated circuit is configured, responsive to the antenna receiving an interrogation signal in a predetermined radiofrequency range, to cause the antenna to emit a response signal which varies depending on which one of the plurality of structure capacitive states the variable capacitance structure is in.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and Methods for Verification of RFID Activation Using Variable Capacitance Structures are disclosed herein. An example includes a radiofrequency (RF) tag, including an integrated circuit, an electrical circuit, connected to the integrated circuit, a variable capacitance structure, forming a portion of the electrical circuit, an activation indicator component included in the electrical circuit, an activatable environmental exposure indicator, the activatable environmental exposure indicator configured to become environmentally sensitive, such that when the RF tag is exposed to a predetermined environmental exposure subsequent to an activation action, the activatable environmental exposure indicator transitions from the unexposed state to the exposed state, the activatable exposure indicator configured to not transition from the unexposed state to the exposed state prior to the activation action.