RFID Tag Positioning Coupling Element with Visual Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Challenges arise in maintaining the speed of RFID tag production while effectively testing and encoding these tags, as existing systems struggle to efficiently indicate and adjust the processing positions of RFID tags on a production line.

Innovation Solution

A coupling element and method that utilize an electromagnetic field to couple with RFID tags, combined with controlled lighting to indicate and adjust the processing position, allowing for precise timing and visual feedback on the status of each tag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If RFID tags are processed at high speed on the production line, then productivity is improved, but the ability to accurately detect and indicate processing position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidprocessing position detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses lights arranged inside the housing to provide visual feedback about the processing position of RFID tags. The lights indicate whether tags are correctly positioned within the sensing aperture, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of the processing system to maintain accuracy at high speeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical position detection systems with an electromagnetic field-based detection system using the coupling element and sensing aperture. This substitution allows for non-contact, high-speed position detection that does not limit production speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If testing and encoding operations are performed on RFID tags, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the processing time increases reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetag processing qualityVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous processing of RFID tags through the sensing aperture without interruption for position checking. The electromagnetic field continuously detects tag presence and the lights continuously provide position feedback, allowing testing and encoding operations to proceed without breaking the production flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects and indicates processing position issues without requiring external intervention. The lights self-monitor tag positioning and can trigger automatic adjustments, eliminating the need for manual position verification that would slow down production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If visual indication systems are added to show tag processing status, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing position visibilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines the position indication lights with the existing electromagnetic field generation housing. The lights are integrated inside the same housing that contains the coupling element, merging the indication function with the processing structure rather than adding separate external indication devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it generates the electromagnetic field for tag coupling, contains the sensing aperture for position detection, and houses the lights for visual indication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system structure

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

Enables efficient processing of RFID tags by ensuring accurate positioning and visual indication of successful or failed operations, thereby optimizing production speed and quality.

Implementation Method 1

the coupling element configured to generate an electromagnetic field arranged to couple with the at least one RFID tag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one light arranged inside of the housing and arranged to illuminate the inside of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4502864B1Indicating a process position for a radio-frequency tag
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 VOYANTIC OY
  • EP4502864B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4502864B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4502864B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupling element (100) for indicating a process position of at least one radio frequency identification, RFID, tag (997, 998A-D), the coupling element (100) comprising: a housing comprising an inside; a shield plate (10) forming a top surface of housing and comprising at least one sensing aperture (15); for the coupling element (100) configured to generate an electromagnetic field arranged to couple with the at least one RFID tag (997, 998A-D), and at least one light (50) arranged inside of the housing and configured to illuminate the inside of the housing; wherein the coupling element (100) is configured to process the at least one RFID tag (997, 998A-D) within the sensing aperture (15) such that the at least one RFID tag (997, 998A-D) is coupled to the coupling element via the electromagnetic field, and the at least one light (50) is controlled based on timing of a process of the at least one RFID tag (997, 998A-D)