Combination RFID EAS Tag Lamination Without Antenna Overlap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Combination RFID/EAS tags present technical issues and additional costs due to the need for both inventory management and security/theft prevention functionalities, requiring a novel approach to integrate both types effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method of producing combination RFID/EAS tags using a converting machine, where RFID and EAS inlays are transferred and laminated without antenna overlap, allowing for independent functionality and separate use, with quality-control testing to prevent defective inlays from being combined, and the option to minimize surface area by positioning the EAS coil antenna between the dipole legs of the RFID antenna.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both RFID and EAS tags are included in combination, then inventory management and security functionality are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual functionality (inventory management and security)VSAvoidtag structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges RFID and EAS tags into a single combined tag structure. The RFID inlay and EAS inlay are positioned on opposite sides of a substrate, creating an integrated tag that provides both inventory management (RFID) and security (EAS) functionalities simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate tags

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The combined tag structure is designed to perform multiple functions: the RFID portion enables inventory tracking and identification, while the EAS portion provides theft prevention capabilities. This multi-functional design allows a single tag to replace what would traditionally require two separate tags

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If RFID and EAS inlays are laminated together, then integrated tag formation is improved, but antenna overlap interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated tag formationVSAvoidantenna functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the RFID inlay and EAS inlay on opposite sides of the substrate, creating a localized arrangement where each antenna operates in its own spatial zone. This positioning ensures that the RFID antenna and EAS antenna do not overlap or interfere with each other's electromagnetic fields, maintaining reliable functionality for both systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing both inlays on the same plane where antenna overlap would occur, the patent utilizes the third dimension by positioning inlays on opposite sides of the substrate. This dimensional separation allows both antennas to function independently without electromagnetic interference while maintaining an integrated tag structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If converting machine is used for production, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but quality control challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidinlay positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The converting machine is configured to receive pre-formed RFID and EAS inlays on separate rolls before lamination. This preliminary preparation allows each inlay type to be manufactured and quality-checked separately, then precisely positioned and laminated together in the converting machine, ensuring both high productivity and positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the use of RFID and EAS tags separately or together, with independent quality control, reducing wastage and minimizing surface area, while ensuring functional independence and efficient production.

Implementation Method 1

transferred, using the converting machine, the first type inlays to a surface of the second type inlays, thereby forming a two-layer tape carrying pairs of first and second type inlays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Data Source

PatentUS11610090B2Combination RFID/EAS tags and methods of manufacture

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 SML BRAND IDENTIFICATION SOLUTIONS LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are combination radio frequency identification (RFID) and electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags and methods of producing such tags using a converting machine. The method is characterized by feeding a first roll carrying first type inlays and a second roll carrying second type inlays into a converting machine; and, transferring, using the converting machine, the first type inlays to a surface of the second type inlays, thereby forming a two-layer tape carrying pairs of first and second type inlays, each of the pairs comprising an RFID inlay and an EAS inlay, wherein there is no overlap of an RFID antenna element of each RFID inlay and an EAS antenna element of a paired EAS inlay, and wherein the RFID inlay and the EAS inlay of each pair are functionally independent.