RFID Tag With Sensor Patch For Environmental Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

RFID devices lack the capability to sense various environmental conditions, limiting their application in scenarios requiring additional sensing functionalities beyond identification and tracking.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a sensor patch section with the RFID device, coupled to an antenna and a chip, which changes operating conditions in response to environmental exposures, enabling the detection of physical, chemical, and biological parameters through customizable designs and materials like PET and conductive ink, allowing for flexible and sensitive sensing capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RFID devices are designed with basic identification functionality only, then device complexity is low and manufacturing is simple, but sensing capabilities are insufficient for applications requiring environmental condition detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing capabilitiesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines RFID identification functionality with environmental sensing capabilities into a single integrated device. The sensor patch is directly coupled to the RFID antenna and chip, creating a unified structure that performs both identification and sensing functions simultaneously, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID device is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional identification/tracking plus environmental condition sensing. The sensor patch can detect various physical, chemical, and biological parameters, making the device universally applicable across diverse scenarios such as medical monitoring, industrial safety, and supply chain management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sensor patch section is integrated with RFID device, then sensing functionality is enhanced, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing functionalityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor patch is constructed using flexible substrates and thin conductive layers, allowing it to be integrated with the RFID antenna without adding significant structural bulk. This flexible film approach enables sensing functionality while maintaining a simple, planar device structure that is easy to manufacture and deploy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If RFID device includes sensor patch for detecting environmental conditions, then application range expands to medical and industrial uses, but manufacturing process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication rangeVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: the RFID antenna section and the sensor patch section. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently before final assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while enabling the device to meet diverse application requirements through modular configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 RFID devices to detect changes in conditions such as temperature, moisture, and chemical presence, enhancing their utility in medical and industrial applications with improved sensitivity and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor patch once exposed to an environmental condition changes from a first condition to a second condition, distinct from the first condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductivity change: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The antenna is coupled to a chip. The sensor patch upon exposure to an environmental condition causes the RFID device to change from a first operating condition to a second operating condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency electromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9070060B2RFID wetness sensing device

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a RFID tag having sensing capabilities. The RFID device includes an antenna section and a sensor patch section. The antenna is coupled to a chip. The sensor patch section upon exposure to an environmental condition causes the RFID device to change from a first operating condition to a second operating condition.