RFID Tag Reuse via Laser Segmentation and Antenna Resizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of single-use RFID tags leads to significant waste, as they are often discarded after a single application, such as tracking items in the airline industry, without consideration for reuse or recycling.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to determine undamaged portions of an RFID tag's conductor antenna, allowing it to be removed from a first label and reconfigured or resized for use in a second label, enabling the reuse of RFID tags by cutting specific lines to release the tag or reconfiguring it for different operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags are used as single-use components in labels, then the implementation is simple and reliable, but the environmental waste increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is segmented from the label substrate through laser cutting along predetermined cut lines. The tag can be separated into the conductor antenna, RFID chip, and label portions, allowing the functional RFID components to be extracted and reused in new labels while the label substrate is discarded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a process where RFID tags are recovered from used labels, inspected for damage, and reused in new labels. The conductor antenna and RFID chip are extracted from the original label substrate and transferred to new labels, thereby recovering valuable electronic components and reducing waste.
2Reliability
If the entire RFID tag is removed from the first label, then complete tags are available for reuse, but more label material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The label is divided into separable portions using laser cutting along predetermined cut lines. The RFID tag components (conductor antenna and chip) are segmented from the label substrate, allowing only the necessary functional portions to be removed and reused while minimizing label material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag components are extracted from the label substrate by cutting along predetermined lines. Only the conductor antenna and RFID chip are taken out for reuse in new labels, leaving the label substrate behind to be discarded or recycled, thereby reducing overall material waste.
3Loss of substance
If cut lines are used to remove only undamaged portions of the conductor antenna, then material waste is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical cutting methods are replaced with laser cutting technology. The laser cutting process provides precise control along predetermined cut lines, enabling accurate separation of undamaged conductor antenna portions from damaged areas while minimizing material waste and maintaining manufacturing precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the RFID tag is reconfigured for different operational modes, then adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor antenna is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing it to be cut and reshaped into different configurations (such as different loop sizes or shapes) to support various operational modes and frequencies. This dynamic adaptability enables a single RFID tag to serve multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the conductor antenna (such as its shape, size, and geometry) can be changed by cutting along different patterns. By modifying these physical parameters, the antenna's operational characteristics (frequency, impedance, radiation pattern) are changed to suit different application requirements.
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 approach allows for the effective recycling and repurposing of RFID tags, reducing waste by enabling multiple uses and adapting their performance for various applications, while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID chip receives power when excited by a nearby electromagnetic field oscillating at the resonant frequency of the RFID transponder
Implementation Method 2
the RFID chip turns on and sends a coded return signal via the antenna or tuning loop
Data Source
AI summary
A label includes a recycled sloop type radio frequency identification (RFID) tag from a previously used label. The RFID tag is removed from the previous label by cutting the RFID tag from the previous label using a laser, die, or cutting wheel. The conductor antenna of the RFID tag can be cut to remove damaged portions or change operation of the RFID tag. A slot in the conductor antenna can be resized to tune the RFID tag to allow the RFID tag to be used for the same application use or a different application use. The label can include indicia such as machine readable indicia and human readable indicia. The extracted RFID tag can include portions of the previous label, which can be free of indicia.