RFID Tag Antenna Formation on Collar Web

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching RFID tags to collar pieces in cigarette packs are time-consuming and inefficient, especially for large batches, due to the use of multiple material layers which increase costs and thickness.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a collar material web where an RFID antenna is formed directly onto the surface using electrically conductive particles, followed by attaching an RFID IC, eliminating the need for additional adhesive layers and simplifying the process for larger batches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the RFID tag is attached directly onto the collar piece using conventional methods, then the RFID tag can be secured onto the collar piece, but the process is very time consuming and inefficient for large batches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidattachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the RFID tag and collar piece into a single integrated component by forming the antenna directly on the collar piece material web during the manufacturing process. This eliminates the separate attachment step and integrates RFID functionality into the collar piece production line, significantly improving productivity and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID antenna is formed directly onto the collar material web during the manufacturing process, before the collar piece is cut and assembled. This preliminary integration of the RFID tag into the collar piece production process eliminates subsequent attachment steps and enables high-volume production without additional time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple material layers are used to attach the RFID tag onto the collar piece, then the RFID tag can be securely attached, but material costs increase and the collar piece thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial layers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary intermediate material layers (siliconized backing paper, release liner, adhesive layers, face material layer) from the RFID tag attachment process. By forming the antenna directly on the collar material web, only the essential conductive material and substrate remain, reducing complexity while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID antenna structure is merged directly with the collar material web through direct formation during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers and backing materials. This integration reduces the total number of material layers from multiple layers to essentially two layers (conductive material and substrate).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method significantly reduces production time and material costs, resulting in a thinner collar piece with improved efficiency for manufacturing RFID-tagged collar pieces, especially for larger batches.

Implementation Method 1

electrically conductive solid particles are formed onto a surface of the web

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the conductive material is preferably heated to a temperature exceeding a characteristic melting temperature of the conductive material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

the previously melted material to solidify in the form of an essentially continuous, electrically conductive layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolidification: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 4

The adhesive is preferably applied in liquid form, and cured/solidified when heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentEP3729336B1Method for manufacturing a collar piece comprising an RFID tag
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 DIGITAL TAGS FINLAND OY
  • EP3729336B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3729336B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a collar piece (2) comprising an RFID tag (3), which collar piece is intended to be arranged as an inner frame in a cigarette pack (1). The method is characterized in that it comprising the steps of providing a roll of collar material web; forming an RFID antenna directly onto a surface of the collar web material; attaching an RFID IC onto the antenna, such that, an electrical connection between the IC and the antenna is established, such that the RFID tag (3) is formed; and cutting out a single collar piece (2) from the collar web, wherein the collar piece (2) comprising the RFID tag (3).