RFID Tag Placement in Roofing Layers Without Surface Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for manufacturing roofing products with advanced identification, such as RFID tags, face challenges like inadequate manufacturing techniques, damage to tags during the process, and difficulty in applying tags to tacky surfaces, leading to defects and increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a tamp-blow applicator to blow RFID tags onto a roofing product's first layer using pressurized gas or air, avoiding contact with the tacky surface and ensuring reliable and cost-effective integration of RFID tags within the roofing product layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID tags are applied to roofing products using conventional contact-based methods, then the tags can be attached to the product, but the tags and product are damaged due to the tacky surface and manufacturing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetag attachment reliabilityVSAvoidtag and product damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces pressurized gas as an intermediary medium to transfer the RFID tag from the applicator to the roofing product surface. This gas-mediated transfer mechanism eliminates direct contact between the applicator and the tacky roofing surface, preventing contamination and damage while ensuring reliable tag attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical contact-based tag application system with a pneumatic system. Instead of using mechanical pressure or adhesive contact, the system uses controlled gas flow to propel and position the tag on the product surface, thereby avoiding mechanical damage and contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional contact-based tag application methods are used, then tags can be applied to roofing products, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly due to damage and defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetag application process simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pneumatic technology to simplify the tag application process. By using pressurized gas to deliver and place tags on the roofing product, the system eliminates complex mechanical positioning mechanisms, adhesive application systems, and damage prevention mechanisms required in conventional contact-based methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If contact-based methods are used to apply RFID tags, then tags can be attached, but the tacky roofing surface causes soiling and delamination of the product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct integrityVSAvoidsoiling and delamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Pressurized gas serves as a clean intermediary that transfers the tag without direct contact between the applicator and the roofing surface. This prevents the tacky surface material from sticking to the applicator and being transferred to the tag or surrounding areas, thereby preventing soiling and delamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing mechanical contact with pneumatic tag delivery, the system eliminates the source of soiling and delamination problems. The gas flow carries the tag to the surface without the applicator touching the tacky material, preventing contamination and maintaining product integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method allows for the reliable and cost-effective application of RFID tags to roofing products without damaging the tags or the product, overcoming previous issues of delamination, damage, and soiling, while maintaining the product's integrity and appearance.

Implementation Method 1

blowing at least one RFID tag onto the first layer of material by means of pressurized gas or air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurized gas flow: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP2326776B1A method of manufacturing an identifiable roofing product
Publication Date: 2012.09.19 ICOPAL DANMARK
  • EP2326776B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A method of manufacturing an identifiable roof covering incl. the product thereof, comprising the steps of providing a first layer of material, providing a second layer of material onto said first layer of material and blowing by means of pressurized gas or air a RFID tag onto the first layer of material prior to providing the second layer of material.