RFID Module Coupling Structure for Conductive Tagged Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductive articles interfere with the characteristics of RFID tags, causing them to change significantly, and existing RFID tags with multiple antennas are bulky, limiting their application range.
Innovation Solution
An RFID module is electromagnetically coupled to a conductor, comprising an RFIC, power reception coupling unit, and transmission coupling unit, which allows for a downsized RFID tag configuration that maintains predetermined characteristics even on conductive articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are provided in the RFID tag, then the RFID tag can receive power and transmit signals, but the RFID tag becomes large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power reception antenna and signal transmission antenna into a single integrated antenna structure. The RFID module uses one antenna that serves dual purposes: receiving electromagnetic power for charging the capacitor and transmitting Bluetooth signals. This merging eliminates the need for separate antennas, significantly reducing the overall tag size while maintaining both power reception and communication functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an RFID tag is provided on a conductive article, then the RFID tag can be applied to various articles, but the characteristics of the RFID tag change greatly due to interference from the conductive article
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-conductive substrate as an intermediary layer between the RFID module and the conductive article. This substrate acts as a barrier that prevents the conductive article from interfering with the antenna's electromagnetic field and the RFID module's circuitry. The non-conductive material isolates the RFID components from the conductive surface, maintaining stable tag characteristics while enabling attachment to conductive articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID module is constructed with a thin, flexible non-conductive substrate that can conform to the surface of various articles including conductive ones. This thin film structure provides electrical isolation while maintaining close proximity to the conductive surface for effective power reception through electromagnetic coupling, thus preserving both versatility and reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a passive Bluetooth sensor receives power from surrounding radio waves, then the device can operate without a battery, but it requires two large antennas for power reception and signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power reception antenna and Bluetooth transmission antenna into a single shared antenna structure. The antenna is designed to efficiently receive electromagnetic power from surrounding radio waves for charging the internal capacitor while also serving as the transmission antenna for Bluetooth signals. This single-antenna design achieves both power reception and communication functions, dramatically reducing device size compared to dual-antenna configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a power reception antenna for harvesting energy from radio waves and as a transmission antenna for Bluetooth communication. This universal antenna design eliminates the need for separate specialized antennas, reducing overall device volume while maintaining efficient power reception and signal transmission capabilities.
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 configuration enables a compact RFID tag design that maintains consistent performance on conductive articles, reducing the need for multiple antennas and minimizing interference from conductive materials.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor to store power received from surrounding radio waves... a power reception coupling unit electromagnetically coupled to the conductor to receive the power
Implementation Method 2
an RFIC that transmits a signal to a reader... a transmission coupling unit electromagnetically coupled to the conductor to output a transmission signal to the conductor
Data Source
AI summary
An RFID module is disposed at a position where the RFID module is electromagnetically coupled to the conductor. An RFIC receives power induced by receiving an electromagnetic wave for power reception to output a transmission signal. A power reception coupling unit is electromagnetically coupled to the conductor to receive power. A transmission coupling unit is electromagnetically coupled to the conductor to output a transmission signal to the conductor.