Flexible RFID Tag Assembly with Slotted Coupling for Uniform Tool Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID tags for tools face challenges such as reduced impedance bandwidth, varying radiation gain due to attachment position, and sensitivity to rotation direction, leading to inconsistent identification performance and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
An RFID tag assembly with a flexible film antenna and conducting medium layer, featuring a slot between ends, is designed to control impedance and radiation gain, enclosed in an insulating jacket for durability and protection, providing omni-directional identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ultra-small RFID tags are attached to tool surfaces to minimize mechanical strength impact and processing costs, then manufacturing cost and mechanical strength are improved, but impedance bandwidth is reduced and tag performance becomes sensitive to attaching position errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the RFID tag by introducing a flexible substrate that allows the tag to conform to curved surfaces, and modifies the antenna structure to maintain impedance bandwidth despite miniaturization. The flexible substrate enables the tag to adapt its shape while maintaining electrical performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar RFID tags to three-dimensional conformal tags that can wrap around curved surfaces. This dimensional change allows the tag to maintain effective ground plane area and antenna performance while adapting to the curved geometry of tools, reducing sensitivity to positioning errors.
2Reliability
If block-shaped RFID tags are attached to tools with limited space and curved surfaces, then tag durability is improved, but additional processing processes are required that increase production cost and impact mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate that allows the RFID tag to dynamically adapt its shape to conform to curved tool surfaces. This flexibility eliminates the need for rigid mounting structures and additional processing steps, while maintaining tag durability through proper adhesive bonding and protective coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible substrate as the base for the RFID tag, allowing it to conform to curved surfaces without requiring additional processing. The flexible nature of the substrate enables the tag to be applied directly to tool surfaces, eliminating the need for planarization or cavity creation while maintaining durability.
3Ease of manufacture
If ultra-small RFID tags are attached to one side of metal tools, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but radiation gain becomes directional and reading performance varies with tool rotation direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar single-sided tags to three-dimensional conformal tags that wrap around the tool surface. This dimensional change creates a more isotropic radiation pattern by distributing the antenna elements in three dimensions, reducing directional sensitivity and improving reading performance consistency across different tool orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna structure into multiple elements distributed around the conformal surface. This segmentation creates multiple radiation sources that collectively provide more uniform omnidirectional coverage, reducing the impact of tool rotation on reading performance.
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 RFID tag assembly offers consistent identification performance across different tool orientations and environments, enhancing durability and reducing sensitivity to manufacturing errors and environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
the conducting medium layer is inductively coupled with the metal loop antenna to radiate radio frequency signals from the IC chip outwardly through the slot
Data Source
AI summary
An RFID tag component, an RFID tag assembly and an object to be identified attached with the RFID tag assembly are disclosed. An RFID tag component includes an insulating ring; a film antenna bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the insulating ring, the film antenna formed by connecting an IC chip with a metal loop antenna, the metal loop antenna being flexible so the film antenna adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the insulating ring along a circumferential direction after being bonded to the inner peripheral surface; and a conducting medium layer adhering to an outer peripheral surface of the insulating ring in the circumferential direction and partially surrounding the insulating ring so a slot is between two ends of the conducting medium layer. The conducting medium layer is inductively coupled with the metal loop antenna to radiate RF signals from the IC chip outwardly through the slot.