RFID Label Recess Absorbs Mechanical Stress on Curved Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

RFID labels are susceptible to damage from mechanical stress during processing and application, particularly affecting the transponder chip and its connection to the antenna structure, which can lead to functional failure when applied to curved surfaces like cylindrical containers.

Innovation Solution

The RFID label incorporates structural elements arranged laterally offset from the transponder chip, acting as spacers to absorb mechanical pressure, thereby protecting the chip and connection point from external forces during processing and use, especially when wrapped around round bodies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective coating in the form of a lacquer dome is applied directly to the transponder chip, then the chip is protected from mechanical stress, but the protection is insufficient and the additional stiffening is detrimental on curved surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip protectionVSAvoidadaptability to curved surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a recess in the label substrate as an intermediary structure between the transponder chip and the external environment. This recess acts as a mediator that absorbs mechanical stress before it reaches the chip, while also accommodating the chip's position without requiring additional protective coatings that would stiffen the label and prevent conforming to curved surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The recess is designed in advance to provide cushioning protection for the transponder chip. By creating this protective cavity beforehand in the label structure, the chip is positioned within a space that absorbs mechanical impacts and stresses before they can damage the chip, eliminating the need for additional protective lacquer domes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a recess is provided in the component or container to be bonded, then the transponder chip is protected from mechanical stress, but the component or container must be specially adapted and material weakening occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the container or component to be labeled, the patent creates the protective recess within the label itself. This intermediary protective structure is formed in the label substrate, allowing the chip to be protected without requiring any special adaptations to the container, thereby maintaining manufacturing flexibility and avoiding material weakening of the container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the label is designed as a wraparound label and affixed to a cylindrical container, then the label can be applied to curved surfaces, but damage to the transponder chip or connection can occur due to direct contact between containers rubbing against each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewraparound capabilityVSAvoidchip protection during use
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The recess in the label substrate serves as a protective intermediary that shields the transponder chip and its connections from direct contact with other containers. When wraparound labels are applied to cylindrical containers, the recessed structure ensures that even when containers rub against each other, the mechanical stress is absorbed by the recess structure rather than being transmitted directly to the chip or antenna connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3460721B1RFID tag with protection of the RFID function
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 SCHREINER GRP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3460721B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3460721B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3
  • EP3460721B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

An RFID label (1) with RFID protection comprises an RFID transponder chip (10) and a carrier substrate (20) on which the RFID transponder chip (10) is arranged. Furthermore, at least one structural element (30) is provided, which is arranged laterally offset to the RFID transponder chip (10) in a perpendicular projection. The at least one structural element (30) acts as a spacer and, in the event of external mechanical stress, prevents a direct force from acting on the transponder chip (10) and a connection point to an attached antenna structure (50).