RFID Tag Distance Layer for Cigarette Pack Aluminum Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cigarette packs with aluminum inner layers interfere with RFID/NFC tag functionality, making existing solutions costly and prone to jamming, and allowing underage consumers to access marketing content.
Innovation Solution
A cigarette pack design with an RFID/NFC tag positioned on a distance layer inside the lid, which is pressed against the inner wrapping material when closed, preventing tag functionality until the pack is opened, using a non-interfering material like plastic or corrugated board to maintain pack integrity and prevent underage access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an RFID/NFC tag is attached close to or onto the aluminum layer, then the tag can be positioned within the cigarette pack structure, but the aluminum layer prevents the RFID/NFC tag from functioning properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distance layer as an intermediary component between the RFID/NFC tag and the aluminum layer. This distance layer (made of plastic or corrugated board) acts as a mediator that prevents the aluminum layer from interfering with the RFID/NFC tag's electromagnetic field, thereby restoring tag functionality while maintaining the compact pack structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the problematic interaction between the aluminum layer and RFID/NFC tag by introducing a separation mechanism. The distance layer effectively removes the harmful proximity effect, allowing the tag to function independently from the metallic interference of the aluminum wrapping material.
2Reliability
If a ferrite layer is added between the RFID/NFC tag and aluminum layer, then RFID/NFC tag functionality is improved, but the tag becomes relatively thick and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive ferrite layer with a cheaper alternative material (plastic or corrugated board distance layer). This substitute material achieves the same functional goal of shielding the RFID/NFC tag from aluminum interference while being more cost-effective and suitable for disposable cigarette packaging applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from ferrite (expensive, thick) to plastic or corrugated board (cheap, thin). This parameter substitution maintains the essential function of electromagnetic shielding while reducing both cost and thickness, making the solution economically viable for mass-market cigarette packs.
3Ease of operation
If the RFID/NFC tag is accessible when the pack is closed, then marketing content can be viewed by consumers, but underage consumers can also interact with the marketing content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the distance layer to block RFID/NFC communication while the pack is closed. This pre-emptive measure prevents underage consumers from accessing marketing content before purchase, while still allowing legitimate consumers to access the content after opening the pack when the distance layer is removed or displaced.
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 RFID/NFC tag inactivity when closed, preventing underage interaction and avoiding packaging issues, while allowing engagement only after purchase, at no additional cost for expensive materials.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna of the RFID/NFC tag is interfered by the aluminium layer
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A cigarette pack (1) comprising a box body (2); an inner wrapper (15), comprising an aluminium layer, is arranged on the inside of the box body (2); a lid (8) connected to the box body by a hinge (9) and capable of opening and closing the upper end of the box body, the lid having an open lower end (10), front wall (11), a rear wall (12), a pair if side walls (18) and a top wall (13, 14) having an outside (13) and an inside (14), which inside (14) faces against the open upper end (3) and the inner wrapper (15) when the lid is in a closed position; an RFID/NFC tag (16) and a distance layer(20), which is arranged on the inside and that the RFID/NFC tag is arranged on the distance layer. The distance layer forces the RFID/NFC tag close to the wrapping material.