RFID Tag Deactivation via Segmented Antenna and Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data tag technologies, such as RFID, are difficult to conveniently disable or re-enable without modifying the associated product, posing challenges in manufacturing, inventory, and consumer privacy.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system with a container and a deactivation mechanism that can selectively disable or re-enable an electronic data mechanism, such as an RFID tag, without significantly altering the product's appearance, using a deactivation mechanism that disconnects or reconnects the data memory portion from the antenna portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data tags are embedded in products for tracking and identification, then manufacturing and inventory control efficiency is improved, but consumer privacy concerns increase and the tags become difficult to disable
Solution Approach 1:
The data tag system is segmented into two functional parts: the antenna portion and the data memory portion. This segmentation allows independent control of each component, enabling the data memory to be disabled while the antenna remains intact, thus addressing privacy concerns without compromising the physical integrity of the product tracking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The data memory portion is extracted as a separable component from the antenna portion through a breakable connection. This extraction enables selective removal or disconnection of the data storage element, allowing consumers to disable tracking functionality while maintaining the antenna structure for potential future use or recycling.
2Measurement precision
If data tags are permanently embedded in products, then tracking accuracy is improved, but the ability to selectively disable or re-enable tags is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the antenna portion and data memory portion is designed to be dynamically changeable through a breakable connection. This dynamic structure allows the system to transition between enabled and disabled states, providing adaptability for selective tracking while maintaining accurate tracking capability when enabled through the precise antenna-memory connection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If data tags are disabled by physical destruction, then privacy protection is improved, but the appearance of the associated product is excessively modified
Solution Approach 1:
The data memory portion is extracted as a separate, removable component connected to the antenna through a breakable connection. This allows the data memory to be selectively removed or disconnected to protect privacy without physically altering or damaging the visible product appearance, as the extraction occurs at the component level rather than the product level.
Solution Approach 2:
The data tag system is segmented into antenna and data memory portions, allowing the data memory to be independently disabled. This segmentation enables privacy protection through component disconnection rather than product destruction, thereby preserving the external appearance and structural integrity of the associated product.
4Reliability
If the data memory portion is permanently connected to the antenna, then tag reliability is improved, but the ability to selectively disable the tag is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between data memory and antenna is designed with dynamic characteristics through a breakable connection that can be intentionally severed. This provides operational reliability when connected (ensuring stable data transmission) while enabling selective disablement when needed (by breaking the connection), thus achieving both reliability and adaptability in different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The data tag is segmented into separately controllable portions with a controllable connection between them. This segmentation maintains reliable operation when the connection is intact while enabling selective disablement through controlled disconnection, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
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 convenient and selective disabling or re-enabling of data tags, reducing consumer privacy concerns and facilitating inventory control without modifying the product's appearance or operation.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic data mechanism can be operatively connected to the container, and can be operatively configured to electronically transpond or otherwise transmit data to a reader mechanism
Implementation Method 2
A deactivation mechanism can be operatively connected to the container and electronic data mechanism, and can be operatively configured to selectively disable a significant portion of the electronic data mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging system (20), has a container (22) which delimits a container volume which can hold at least one unit-measure or unit-quantity of a selected commodity or article (24). The container includes at least one access portion (26) that can provide a selective closed arrangement and a selective open arrangement. An electronic data mechanism (28) can be operatively connected to the container (22), and can be operatively configured to electronically transpond or otherwise transmit data to a reader mechanism (30). A deactivation mechanism (32) can be operatively connected to the container (22) and to the electronic data mechanism (28), and can be operatively configured to selectively disable the electronic data mechanism.