RFID-Embedded Paper Packing for Recyclable Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional packing materials for shipping containers, such as polystyrene chips and air-filled bubble wrap, are difficult to recycle and attaching RFID devices to the exterior exposes them to damage, necessitating waterproof materials that are also hard to recycle.
Innovation Solution
Integrate RFID devices into recyclable packing materials like paper by associating them with the packing material, such as through folding, crumpling, or slitting, using antennas like dipole or hybrid slot-loop configurations, and ensure the RFID devices maintain functionality despite processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID devices are adhered to the outside of the container for tracking purposes, then inventory and delivery confirmation functionality is improved, but the RFID devices are exposed to environmental damage and require waterproof protection that is difficult to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RFID device with the packing material by integrating the antenna into the paper structure during manufacturing. This merging eliminates the need for separate waterproof protection while ensuring the RFID device remains protected within the recyclable paper container, resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID antenna is nested within the layers of the paper packing material, with the antenna conductor embedded between paper layers. This nesting provides natural protection against environmental damage while maintaining recyclability, as the entire structure can be processed together without requiring additional protective coatings.
2Strength
If traditional polystyrene chips and air-filled bubble wrap are used for packing, then effective cushioning and protection is achieved, but the materials are difficult to recycle and have negative environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-recyclable polystyrene and plastic bubble wrap to recyclable paper. The paper is processed through folding, crumpling, or slitting to achieve the necessary cushioning properties, demonstrating that recyclable materials can meet the same protective requirements as traditional materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by integrating the RFID antenna conductor into the paper packing material layers. This composite approach combines the protective cushioning properties of processed paper with the tracking functionality of RFID, while maintaining full recyclability of the entire package.
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
The solution provides a recyclable and damage-resistant integration of RFID devices within packing materials, ensuring effective tracking and protection of items while reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency identification ('RFID') devices
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
RFID-integrated packages are disclosed combining a container, an article positioned within the container, and a packing material positioned within the container between at least a portion of the article and an inner surface of the container. The packing material is manufactured by at least partially associating it with an RFID device. The packing material may be formed of a recyclable material, such as paper. The packing material together with the RFID device is processed to provide it with an impact-absorbing configuration. Processing methods may include folding, crushing, and cutting or slitting, with the RFID device continuing to perform well after it and the packing material have been processed into the impact-absorbing configuration for use within the container. The entire RFID device may be associated to the packing material or only a portion or component of RFID device may be associated to the packing material, with another portion or component associated to the container or article.