Reusable RFID Strap and Substrate Antenna Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional RFID tags are costly due to the precision required for effective antenna and strap coupling, leading to high inventory needs and limited reusability, as they are often permanently affixed to items.
Innovation Solution
An RFID tag is formed by integrating a conductive layer and a cutting device on a substrate, allowing for the creation of a specific antenna configuration adapted to a particular application, with the option to recover and reuse the RFID device after initial use by cutting and anchoring the strap to the substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional RFID tags use pre-formed antennas with precise coupling to the strap, then the RFID tag operates reliably, but the manufacturing cost increases and inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the antenna pattern on the substrate before attaching the strap. The conductive traces are already positioned and shaped on the substrate, so when the strap is attached, the coupling is automatically achieved without requiring complex precision alignment during assembly. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable operation while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves itself by having the antenna pattern directly formed on it, eliminating the need for separate precision alignment steps between the antenna and strap components. The pre-configured conductive traces on the substrate automatically provide the necessary coupling when the strap is attached, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining operational reliability.
2Reliability
If RFID tags are permanently affixed to items, then tracking accuracy is maintained, but reusability is lost and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RFID system into a reusable strap component containing the RFID chip and a disposable substrate component with the antenna pattern. The strap can be detached from the substrate after use, allowing the expensive RFID chip to be recovered and reused on a new substrate, while the substrate remains attached to the item for permanent tracking. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both tracking accuracy and device reusability through component separation.
3Reliability
If specific antennas are designed for particular applications, then RFID performance is optimized, but inventory complexity increases to accommodate diverse customer needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a standardized strap component that can be attached to substrates with different antenna patterns tailored to specific applications. Each substrate can be customized with the appropriate conductive trace geometry for its intended use, while the strap remains a universal, interchangeable component. This resolves the contradiction by allowing performance optimization for each application through substrate customization while maintaining inventory flexibility through standardization of the strap component.
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 reduces production costs, allows for customizable antenna configurations, and enables the reuse and recycling of RFID devices, improving inventory management and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The semiconductor circuit performs functions such as the rectification of energy from a reader device to provide some or all of the power for the device
Implementation Method 2
an antenna, capable of receiving energy in the near field, far field or both
Implementation Method 3
a logic circuit to store an identification code and a method of sending information back to a reader, such as varying the semiconductors impedance presented to the antenna, typically described as backscatter modulation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes an RFID tag and a method of making an RFID tag. The RFID tag can include a first substrate with a conductive layer disposed thereon. Further, the RFID tag can be formed with a second substrate that can have any number of components, for example a strap, a processor, a blade and a coupling mechanism mounted thereon. Also, the second substrate can be coupled to the first substrate with a coupling mechanism.