RFID Transponder Carrier Layer with Hidden Switching Point

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valuable or security documents with RFID transponders lack additional security features to prevent theft and unauthorized reading, as the antenna activation mechanisms are often visible or tactilely detectable, making them susceptible to forgery and unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a hidden switching point in the conductor track of the RFID transponder that can be activated by pressure, allowing the antenna to switch between active and inactive configurations, with a bridging element that can be electrically connected using human skin conductivity or a conductive material, ensuring the activation is not visible or tactilely detectable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the RFID transponder antenna is always active for convenient reading, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized reading deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of readingVSAvoidunauthorized reading
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is designed with a dynamic switching mechanism that allows it to transition between active and inactive states. The conductor track includes a switching point that can be closed to activate the antenna or interrupted to deactivate it, enabling the system to adapt its state based on security requirements rather than remaining static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switching mechanism is pre-configured in a secure state where the antenna is inactive by default. The system is prepared in advance with a hidden switching point that requires specific activation conditions, preventing unauthorized reading before any interaction occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the switching mechanism is made visible or tactilely detectable for user activation, then ease of operation is improved, but anti-counterfeit protection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of activationVSAvoidanti-counterfeit protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A further layer is introduced as an intermediary element that conceals the switching point from direct observation and tactile detection. This layer acts as a mediator between the user and the switching mechanism, allowing activation through pressure transmission while maintaining visual and tactile secrecy of the actual switching point location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The further layer is designed as a thin, flexible film that can transmit pressure forces while obscuring the underlying switching point. This film allows the switching mechanism to remain hidden yet still respond to activation pressure applied by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If the conductor track is continuously closed for antenna activation, then productivity is improved, but security against theft deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading efficiencyVSAvoidtheft risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active and inactive states. The conductor track is closed only during authorized reading operations and interrupted during inactive periods, creating a rhythmic pattern of operation that balances productivity with security against theft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution enhances anti-counterfeit protection and security against theft by hiding the antenna activation mechanism, preventing unauthorized reading and improving the reliability of the security document's operation.

Implementation Method 1

The two open contacts are bridged by the electrodermal nature of the human skin, converting the antenna coil from an inactive to an activated configuration.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrodermal conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3770819B1Carrier layer and value or security document
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3770819B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3770819B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3770819B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a carrier layer (104) on which an electrical conductor (108) of an RFID transponder is applied. The conductor (108) has at least one switching point (112) configured to switch between a closed configuration, in which the conductor (108) forms an active or activated antenna of the RFID transponder, and an open configuration, in which the conductor (108) forms an inactive or deactivated antenna of the RFID transponder. The invention also relates to a security document (100) with such a carrier layer (104).