RFID Printer Encoding on Moving Web
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID printers require the web to be momentarily stopped for encoding RFID transponders, which reduces throughput and results in unprintable areas for short record members due to the distance between the print head and the encoding position.
Innovation Solution
A RFID printer system that allows continuous web motion for encoding and printing, with an antenna system that directs the RF field upstream to enable encoding before or during printing, and includes a calibration sequence to determine the RF field length and location, ensuring all record members can be fully printed and encoded without dead zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the web is stopped to encode RFID transponders, then encoding accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning and preparation before encoding by using an index sensor to detect the leading edge of each record member and calculate its position. The controller pre-determines the encoding position and prepares the RF field in advance, allowing the web to continue moving at constant speed while encoding occurs at the precise location without stopping the web.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical stopping system with an electromagnetic field-based encoding system. Instead of using a mechanical stop to hold the web stationary during encoding, the system uses a movable RF field that can encode transponders while the web passes through at constant speed, substituting mechanical motion control with electromagnetic field positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If the web is stopped for encoding, then encoding precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous web motion throughout the encoding process, eliminating idle stopping time. The index sensor continuously tracks the web position, and the controller continuously adjusts the RF field positioning to maintain encoding accuracy while the web moves continuously through the printer, ensuring no time is lost to stopping and starting operations.
3Area of stationary object
If the print head is positioned far from the encoding position, then printing area is improved, but encoding during motion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically positions the RF field to follow the moving web at the calculated encoding position. Rather than having a fixed encoding position, the RF field is dynamically adjusted based on the web's constant speed and the index sensor's continuous position feedback, allowing encoding to occur accurately anywhere along the web path, including positions far from the print head.
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 simultaneous encoding and printing of RFID record members on a moving web, improving throughput and eliminating unprintable areas by accessing the RF field earlier and adjusting the web speed for efficient encoding, thus enhancing the overall printing and encoding process.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna system that directs the RF field upstream to enable encoding before or during printing
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for encoding and printing RFID record members with a continuous moving web is provided. In particular, a printer such as a RFID printer is capable of encoding an inlay or multiple inlays within a record member while the web is continuously moving. While a record member is being encoded on a moving web, the record member may be printed upon when a leading edge of a record member reaches the print position.