RFID Tag Releasable Coupler Read Range Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID tags face challenges in dynamically adjusting their read range to accommodate various application environments, such as reducing read range for security purposes or restoring it for return processes, without the ability to efficiently alter antenna properties like impedance, gain, and directionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a releasable coupler with a coupling material that can be engaged or disengaged to alter the antenna's impedance, gain, and directionality, thereby changing the read range of the RFID tag from a maximum to a significantly reduced or eliminated range, and back, using conductive materials like ink or metal sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the read range of the RFID tag is increased to improve detection capability, then the detection range is extended, but the security risk increases due to unauthorized reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic read range adjustment mechanism where the coupler can be engaged or disengaged to change the antenna's electrical characteristics. This allows the system to adapt its detection range based on security requirements - full range when security is not a concern, and reduced range when security protection is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the antenna by introducing a coupler that modifies impedance, gain, and directionality. When the coupler is engaged, it alters the antenna's parameters to reduce the read range, thereby maintaining security while still allowing detection capability when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the read range is reduced for security purposes, then security is improved, but the detection capability is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between security mode (reduced read range) and detection mode (full read range) by engaging or disengaging the coupler. This enables the RFID tag to provide both security protection and detection capability as needed by the application scenario.
3Device complexity
If a fixed antenna configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different application environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into separable components - the main antenna structure and the optional coupler. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple base configuration while providing the option to add the coupler for enhanced adaptability to different application environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler serves multiple functions: it can be engaged to reduce read range for security, disengaged to provide full detection range, and potentially re-engaged for return processes. This multi-functionality allows a single additional component to address various application requirements without increasing overall system complexity significantly.
4Area of stationary object
If the coupler is permanently engaged, then the read range remains consistently high, but the ability to reduce read range for security or return processes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed with releasable engagement mechanisms that allow it to be easily engaged or disengaged based on operational needs. This dynamic capability ensures that the read range can be adjusted from consistently high to selectively reduced, providing both maximum detection capability and security protection as required.
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 flexible read range adjustment to suit different scenarios, such as reducing detection at point of sale or restoring for returns, by modifying the antenna's properties through engagement and disengagement of the coupler, enhancing operational flexibility and security.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling material altering at least one of the impedance, gain and directionality of the antenna
Implementation Method 2
the coupling material couples at least two of the plurality of antenna segments together
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided that comprises an RFID transceiver configured to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals, the RFID transceiver comprising an integrated circuit chip (IC) coupled to an antenna having an impedance, gain and directionality that in conjunction with the characteristics of the IC defines a first read range of the RFID tag. The RFID tag also comprises a releasable coupler configured to be releasably engagable with the RFID transceiver comprising a coupling material, the releasable coupler being configured such that when the releasable coupler is releasably engaged with the RFID transceiver, the coupling material altering at least one of the impedance, the gain and the directionality of the antenna to define a second read range of the RFID tag, wherein the second read range is greater than the first read range.