Strip-Shaped RFID Tag With Longitudinal Slot for Textile Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID tags used in textiles face challenges in being invisibly and comfortably integrated while withstanding mechanical stress, and ensuring reliable data transfer, especially in clothing articles where mechanical stress and limited application surfaces complicate their integration.
Innovation Solution
A slim, strip-shaped RFID tag with a conductor structure featuring a longitudinal slot and a high length-to-width ratio, allowing for flexibility and high tear strength, integrated into a textile with minimal rigidity, using a metallized PET film or elastic material with a T-shaped slot for dipole antenna functionality, and fastened via sewing or adhesive bonding to maintain comfort and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the RFID tag is integrated into textile, then identification function is achieved, but the RFID tag impairs wearing comfort due to rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a thin film carrier material (thickness < width) with a strip shape and high length-to-width ratio (>20). This creates a flexible RFID tag that can bend easily in the longitudinal direction without impairing the textile's wearing comfort, while still maintaining the identification function through the integrated transponder unit and conductor structure.
2Reliability
If the conductor structure is sized larger for reliable data transfer, then data transfer reliability is improved, but the RFID tag becomes more noticeable and rigid in the textile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by orienting the conductor structure (antenna) along the longitudinal axis of the narrow strip carrier material. This dimensional arrangement allows the antenna to achieve sufficient length for reliable data transfer while the narrow width and thinness of the carrier keep the RFID tag imperceptible in the textile. The longitudinal orientation maximizes the usable dimension without increasing the perceptible width or height.
3Ease of operation
If the carrier material is made thin and flexible, then wearing comfort is improved, but the mechanical strength and tear resistance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a composite structure where a thin film carrier material is combined with a conductor structure (metallic antenna pattern) and a transponder unit. The thin film provides flexibility and comfort, while the conductor structure and transponder unit provide mechanical reinforcement and functional integrity. This composite approach allows the RFID tag to be both flexible enough for comfort and strong enough for durability.
4Strength
If the RFID tag is made visible and palpable, then mechanical strength is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and comfort are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a thin film carrier material with dimensions specifically designed to be imperceptible when integrated into textile garments. The film's thinness and narrow strip shape ensure the RFID tag remains aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to wear, while the integrated conductor structure and transponder unit provide the necessary mechanical strength and functional durability.
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 solution enables a nearly invisible and comfortable integration of RFID tags in textiles with enhanced mechanical strength and data transfer reliability, maintaining functionality under mechanical stress without affecting wearing comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the conductor structure has a longitudinal slot, which determines the distance of the antenna dipole extending in the longitudinal direction of the carrier material
Implementation Method 2
the RFID tag according to the invention consequently possesses a much larger expansion in the longitudinal direction... while, however, being dimensioned so small in its width and height that it can no longer be felt in the textile
Implementation Method 3
the longitudinal slot... separates the contact surfaces of opposite polarity from each other in order to tap the potential difference (electric voltage) of the thus generated dipole antenna
Implementation Method 4
the resulting particularly slim design of the carrier material leads to a minimization of the rigidity distinct in the film plane in a typically flat film, i.e. essentially no bending stiffness is present transverse to the longitudinal axis of the carrier material independently of the stress direction
Implementation Method 5
the carrier material is provided with a longitudinal reinforcement, which can be made from the carrier material itself or as an addition to the carrier material, in particular as a longitudinal thread extending in the longitudinal direction of the carrier material and being connected to the carrier material or a longitudinal fiber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an RFID tag (2, 3) for being fastened to a textile (30), the RFID tag (2, 3) having a transponder unit (5), which is attached to a bendable carrier material (4) and has an integrated circuit (6) having a conductor structure (8, 9) electrically connected via contact surfaces (7). The carrier material (4) is designed as a conductor structure (8) having a longitudinal slot (10, 11), which separates the contact surfaces (7) of opposite polarity from each other, the carrier material (4) being strip-shaped and having a length (L)-to-width (W) ratio which is a multiple of ten of the width. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for fastening the RFID tag (2, 3) to a textile (30).