RFID Ear Tag Transponder Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ear tag manufacturers face challenges in producing RFID tags due to complexity and the need for new injection machines, particularly those with horizontal injection machines, as they struggle to maintain quality and competitiveness while minimizing investment, and existing assembly processes risk damaging transponders during the overmolding process.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a separate washer with special dents or extensions that acts as a locking mechanism to maintain the transponder in the housing without glue, allowing for stress-free assembly and compatibility with conventional injection machines, enabling manual or automated production without additional investment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transponder is squeezed inside the housing during assembly, then the transponder is maintained in position, but the coil may be damaged and production yield becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
A separate washer is introduced as an intermediary component between the transponder and the housing. The washer features locking extensions that engage with slots in the transponder, providing a mechanical locking mechanism that secures the transponder in position without applying damaging compression forces to the coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into functional segments: a main housing body, a separate washer component with locking extensions, and a cover. This segmentation allows the washer to specifically handle the transponder positioning function while the housing provides structural support, enabling precise positioning without compromising the transponder.
2Reliability
If a separate washer with locking extensions is used to maintain the transponder, then the transponder is secured without damage risk, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is designed to combine multiple functions: it serves as both a positioning element and a locking mechanism. The locking extensions integrate the securing function directly into the washer structure, eliminating the need for separate fasteners or additional positioning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer serves multiple purposes: it positions the transponder, locks it in place through engaging extensions, and provides a mounting interface for the cover. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count compared to using separate elements for each function.
3Reliability
If ultrasonic welding and gluing processes are used for assembly, then the transponder can be attached to the housing, but additional equipment investment and quality maintenance difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces chemical bonding (glue) and ultrasonic welding processes with a purely mechanical locking system. The locking extensions of the washer engage with slots in the transponder through simple mechanical insertion, eliminating the need for dispensing equipment, ultrasonic welders, and associated quality control systems.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the transponder is left loose in the housing during overmolding, then the coil is not damaged, but the transponder may fall down or move during injection
Solution Approach 1:
The washer with locking extensions is installed in the housing before the overmolding process. This preliminary action secures the transponder in the correct position beforehand, preventing it from moving or falling during the subsequent injection process while avoiding direct contact between the molten material and the transponder.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The RFID tag part comprises at least a housing (2) to house a transponder (1), and a washer (3) to maintain said transponder in said housing first part.