RFID Tag Fixture With Faraday Cage and Automatic Shielding Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Automated Material Handling Systems (AMHS) in semiconductor fabs face challenges in transporting and tracking radio frequency identification (RFID) tags due to electromagnetic interference, which can disrupt the reading and writing of data, and compatibility issues with semiconductor equipment.
Innovation Solution
A faraday cage structure with a movable door mechanism and conductive materials shields RFID tags from electromagnetic interference, allowing secure transport and flexible tracking within the manufacturing facility, and includes a linkage system and cam mechanism for automated door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a faraday cage is used to shield RFID tags from electromagnetic interference, then the RFID tag reading capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for a moveable door mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the door of the faraday cage moveable rather than fixed. The door can be automatically opened when an RFID tag is detected inside the cage and closed when the tag is removed. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between two states: shielded (door closed) and unshielded (door open), thereby maintaining reliable RFID reading capability while managing the complexity through automated state changes rather than manual intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a faraday cage with moveable door is used to shield RFID tags, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the ease of operation decreases due to automatic opening and closing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by implementing an automated door mechanism that opens and closes itself based on RFID tag presence. When a tag is detected inside the cage, the door automatically opens to allow reading. When the tag is removed, the door automatically closes to provide shielding. This eliminates the need for manual operation, thereby improving ease of operation while effectively reducing electromagnetic interference through the faraday cage structure.
3Reliability
If conductive material is added to shield the interior from electromagnetic waves, then the shielding effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the flexible shells and thin films principle by using a thin conductive coating or layer on the interior surfaces of the faraday cage rather than requiring thick, complex shielding structures. This thin film approach provides effective electromagnetic shielding while simplifying the manufacturing process, as the conductive material can be applied as a coating rather than requiring complex assembly of thick shielding components.
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 transport and tracking of RFID-tagged materials in semiconductor fabs by preventing electromagnetic interference, ensuring compatibility with AMHS and enabling automated tracking and flexible semiconductor tool positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a cage comprising conductive material to shield an interior portion from electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fixture and, more particularly, to a fixture which holds a radio frequency identification tag and methods of use. The structure includes a cage comprising a top portion, a bottom portion attached to the top portion and a storage space between the top portion and the bottom portion; a moveable linkage system extending within the storage space; a door attached to a first end of the linkage system, the door being moveable between an open position and a closed position; and a cam mechanism comprising structures with surfaces that permit the door to move from the closed position to the open position and to prevent the door from closing when in the closed position.