Integrated RFID Tag and Shipping Envelope for Single-Step Affixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current materials handling methods require separate labor efforts and materials for affixing shipping envelopes and RFID tags to items in transit, leading to increased labor and materials costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated document holder and RFID tag device is provided, where the RFID tag is embedded in a substrate layer with adhesive, allowing both the document holder and RFID tag to be affixed to an item in a single labor effort, reducing the need for additional materials and labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate shipping envelopes and RFID tags are affixed to items, then both document holding and tracking functions are achieved, but labor costs and materials costs increase due to requiring two separate labor efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shipping envelope and RFID tag into a single integrated assembly where the RFID tag is mounted on the envelope structure. This merging allows both document holding and tracking functions to be achieved in one labor effort, as the integrated assembly is applied to items simultaneously rather than requiring separate affixing operations for the envelope and tag.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the envelope portion provides document holding and protection, while the RFID tag portion provides tracking capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate applications, improving labor efficiency while maintaining both required functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate shipping envelopes and RFID tags are affixed to items, then both document holding and tracking functions are achieved, but materials costs increase due to requiring adhesives for both components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shipping envelope and RFID tag into a single integrated assembly, which reduces the total quantity of adhesive materials required. Instead of applying separate adhesives for both the envelope and the RFID tag, the integrated design uses a single adhesive application to attach the combined assembly to the item.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly provides multiple functions (document holding and tracking) through a single material application, reducing the quantity of adhesives and other materials needed compared to applying separate components.
3Productivity
If RFID tags are embedded in substrate layers with adhesive, then single labor effort affixing is achieved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated assembly into distinct functional portions: an envelope portion for document holding and an RFID tag portion for tracking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining the overall integrated structure that enables single labor effort application.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is mounted within or on the envelope structure, creating a nested configuration where one component is integrated within the framework of the other. This nesting approach achieves the single labor effort benefit while organizing the complexity in a hierarchical manner.
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 solution streamlines the process of tracking items by integrating RFID tags with shipping envelopes, reducing costs and labor while maintaining effective item identification and tracking throughout the transportation network.
Implementation Method 1
a bottom layer which has an adhesive on its outer surface which allows the device to be affixed to an item
Implementation Method 2
RFID technology uses radio waves to obtain information regarding objects involved in the transit process. Electronic tags that carry unique identification and descriptive information are embedded in objects. These tags emit low-power radio frequency signals to RFID readers.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated document holder and RFID tag device is disclosed herein. The document holder may take the form of a shipping envelope which is affixed to an item and carries documents related to the item such as a packing list or shipping manifest. The device includes an RFID tag integrated into the shipping envelope which allows both the RFID tag and the shipping envelope to be affixed to the item in a single labor effort.