Tamper-Evident RFID Loop Tag for Plant Container Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID label tags for plant containers are vulnerable to tampering, lacking visible proof of damage upon removal, which compromises their authenticity.

Innovation Solution

The RFID label tag incorporates a metal antenna integrated into the loop, transparent housing parts with readable codes, and tamper-proof mechanisms such as rupture lines and clamping buttons to ensure visible damage upon attempted removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the RFID label tag is made removable for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to undetected tampering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidtamper detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual indicators including transparent housing parts that reveal underlying patterns, color-coded security elements, and visible damage indicators that change appearance when tampered with, allowing immediate detection of unauthorized removal attempts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate visual indicator elements between the housing and antenna components, such as transparent windows revealing security patterns, foil layers with hidden information, and mechanical indicators that provide visible proof of tampering status

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the RFID label tag is made secure against tampering, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to difficult removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetamper resistanceVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the RFID label tag into separate components including housing parts, antenna elements, and security indicators that can be individually assessed for tampering, allowing legitimate removal while detecting unauthorized attempts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures the label tag with visible security indicators and tamper-evident features before deployment, so that any attempt at unauthorized removal automatically creates visible evidence of tampering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If the antenna is made of metal for better RFID performance, then electrical conductivity is improved, but object-generated harmful factors are worsened due to visible damage from tampering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetal contentVSAvoidvisible damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the metal antenna with non-metallic housing materials and visual indicator elements, creating a composite structure where the metal provides RFID functionality while surrounding materials provide tamper evidence and protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction combining metal antenna elements with plastic housing, transparent windows, foil layers, and other materials to achieve both electrical conductivity for RFID operation and visible tamper evidence capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Measurement precision

If the housing is made transparent to show codes, then measurement precision is improved for code reading, but strength is worsened due to reduced protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode readabilityVSAvoidhousing protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies transparency locally only in specific housing areas where code display is needed, while other portions of the housing remain opaque and reinforced for structural protection and tamper resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4708133A1RFID label tag
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 CONTAINER CENTRALEN BV
  • EP4708133A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4708133A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4708133A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A RFID label tag (1) for authentication of a plant container comprising a loop (2) that is dimensioned to snugly fit around a part of the plant container, said RFID label tag (1) comprising further a RFID chip housing (3) connected to the loop (2), said RFID chip housing (3) comprising an antenna (4), and wherein the RFID label tag (1) comprises a pre-mounted form and a mounted form, wherein in the pre-mounted form the loop (2) is open to receive a part of the plant container and wherein the RFID chip housing (3) comprises two housing parts (5, 6) that are connected to the loop (2) on opposite sides thereof, and wherein in the mounted form the two housing parts (5, 6) are joined together to close the RFID chip housing (3) and to close the loop (2) which is arranged to snugly fit around the part of the plant container, and that the loop (2) forms part of the antenna (4).