RFID-Shielded Wallet With Foldable Shielding Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing prevalence of wireless identity theft poses a significant threat to personal and financial information stored on radio frequency-enabled cards, as these cards can be compromised using radio waves, necessitating the need for secure articles equipped with RFID shielding material to prevent data theft.

Innovation Solution

The integration of RFID shielding material into articles such as wallets, passport holders, bags, and purses, including inner and outer layers with foldable portions, pockets, and card holders, to block radio signals and protect against RFID-based data theft, utilizing materials like metal alloys, synthetic fibers, and specific blends like polyester, copper, and nickel to effectively disrupt RFID frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID shielding material is integrated into articles to block radio signals, then security against RFID-based data theft is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible RFID shielding material in the form of thin films or laminates that can be integrated into existing article structures. This approach provides effective RFID signal blocking while maintaining flexibility and minimizing added complexity compared to rigid shielding solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes composite materials combining conductive elements (such as metal fibers, coatings, or meshes) with flexible substrates to create RFID shielding material that integrates seamlessly into articles like wallets, bags, and document holders. This composite approach achieves effective shielding without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If RFID shielding material is integrated into articles to block radio signals, then security against RFID-based data theft is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible thin film format of the RFID shielding material allows for simple integration methods such as lamination, adhesive bonding, or thermal bonding to existing article structures, avoiding complex manufacturing processes and maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the RFID shielding material as part of the article's existing structure or as a separate layer that combines with the article during standard manufacturing processes. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate shielding installation steps, preserving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If RFID shielding material is integrated into articles to block radio signals, then security against RFID-based data theft is improved, but the article's weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The use of thin film RFID shielding material minimizes the added weight compared to bulkier shielding solutions. The thin film format provides effective RFID signal blocking while adding negligible weight to the final article.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs lightweight conductive materials and optimized shielding layer thicknesses to achieve effective RFID blocking with minimal weight increase. By adjusting material parameters such as conductivity and thickness, the solution balances security effectiveness with weight considerations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 implementation of RFID shielding in these articles significantly reduces the risk of data theft by blocking radio signals and protecting personal and financial information, ensuring secure storage of RFID-enabled cards and documents across various frequency standards.

Implementation Method 1

RFID shielding material adapted to block a radio signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2809193B1RFID-shielded article
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 TUMI INC
  • EP2809193B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2809193B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2809193B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to RFID-shielded articles and methods thereof. In one embodiment, a wallet is provided that may comprise an inner layer having a foldable portion; an outer layer comprising RFID shielding material adapted to block a radio signal, the outer layer comprising a foldable portion adapted to cooperate with the foldable portion of the inner layer, the outer layer attached to the inner layer; a pocket formed between the outer layer and the inner layer, the pocket having an opening adapted to receive currency; and a card holder disposed on the inner layer, the card holder adapted to receive a card comprising an RFID tag.