RFID Tag Assembly for Metallic and Non-Planar Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID tags face challenges in flexibility and compatibility with metallic and non-planar surfaces, such as curved objects, which limits their effectiveness in tracking and identification applications.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing RFID tags using a reactive RFID strap component with a RFID chip and conductor secured to a plastic clip, allowing for coupling via electric or magnetic fields, and adaptable to various metallic items and non-planar surfaces through flexible clip designs and attachment methods, including surface deflections and adhesive fixing points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional RFID tags are used on metallic or non-planar surfaces, then RFID tag formation is limited, but flexibility and compatibility with various surfaces are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is divided into separate components: a reactive RFID strap component (chip and conductor) secured to a clip component, and a separately formed antenna on the target surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled on complex surfaces without requiring a pre-integrated tag structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from planar RFID tag designs to three-dimensional assembly on non-planar surfaces. The clip component can be attached to curved or irregular surfaces, and the antenna is formed on the target surface in its native three-dimensional geometry, enabling RFID functionality on bottles, containers, and other non-flat objects.
2Reliability
If RFID tags are permanently attached to articles, then tracking reliability is improved, but adaptability to different surface types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clip component serves multiple functions: mechanically securing the RFID strap to the target surface, providing structural support, and enabling attachment to various surface types (metallic, non-planar, curved). This universal attachment mechanism replaces multiple specialized attachment methods with a single versatile solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip component acts as an intermediary between the RFID strap and the target surface. Rather than directly attaching the RFID chip to the surface, the clip provides a stable mounting platform that adapts to different surface geometries, ensuring reliable electrical connections and mechanical stability across diverse applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional antenna designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but performance on curved and metallic surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design parameters (geometry, conductor layout, substrate properties) are specifically optimized for non-planar and metallic surfaces. The antenna is formed on the target surface with adjusted electrical and physical parameters to compensate for surface curvature and conductivity effects, maintaining resonant frequency and impedance matching despite the complex mounting environment.
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 reliable and robust RFID tag formation on metallic and non-planar objects, ensuring a far field antenna response and improved RF performance, even on complex surfaces, enhancing tracking and identification capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The reactive RFID strap is coupled to the antenna so that a far field antenna response may be induced, wherein coupling can be between electric fields, magnetic fields, or both
Implementation Method 2
The reactive RFID strap is coupled to the antenna so that a far field antenna response may be induced, wherein coupling can be between electric fields, magnetic fields, or both
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on a target surface of a non-planar object may be provided. The method may include positioning an antenna on the target surface of the non-planar object, positioning a reactive RFID strap on the target surface, and coupling the reactive RFID strap to the antenna to induce an antenna response.