Flexible RFID Tamper Tag With Precuts for Easy Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic tags for tamper detection can be easily removed without leaving traces, posing challenges for elderly or young individuals, and existing solutions complicate packaging opening or require strong adhesives.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electronic tag with a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit and a tamper loop circuit, featuring precuts that concentrate tension for easy breakage and visible tampering detection, allowing electronic detection of tampering through RFID communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional electronic tag is attached to a product using adhesive, then the tag can be easily removed without destroying it, but the tag can be removed without leaving visible evidence of tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic tag is divided into multiple layers (first layer with RFID circuit, second layer with adhesive, third layer as protective cover). The precuts extend through the first and third layers but not through the second adhesive layer, creating a segmented structure where the adhesive layer remains intact to provide tamper evidence while allowing controlled removal of the electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
Precuts are pre-formed in the first and third layers before the tag is applied to the product. These precuts extend partially through the adhesive layer to create stress concentration points that will visible tear patterns if someone attempts to remove the tag after application, providing preliminary tamper evidence capability.
2Reliability
If a strong adhesive is used to attach the electronic tag, then the tag cannot be easily removed, but it becomes very hard to open packaging for elderly or young people
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is segmented by precuts that extend partially through it, creating zones of different adhesive bonding. The central portion maintains strong adhesion for secure attachment, while the precut regions create controlled weak points that allow easier opening for vulnerable users while still providing tamper evidence if the tag is removed after application.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the adhesive layer have different properties: the central region provides strong bonding for secure attachment, while the precut regions provide controlled weakness for easier opening. This local differentiation allows the tag to simultaneously achieve strong attachment and ease of opening for elderly or young people.
3Reliability
If the precuts extend far into the flexible inlay, then the tag breaks easily for tamper detection, but the structural integrity of the tag is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The precuts extend through the first and third layers partially through the second adhesive layer, creating segmented regions that will tear visibly upon tampering. The incomplete penetration through the adhesive layer maintains sufficient structural integrity for the tag to function during normal use while enabling easy breakage and visible evidence for tamper detection.
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
Facilitates easy opening by elderly or young users and provides reliable tamper detection through RFID communication, reducing the force required to break the tag and ensuring visible tampering evidence.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit and a tamper loop circuit connected to the radio frequency identification circuit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a flexible electronic tag for tamper detection, the flexible electronic tag comprising a radio frequency identification circuit and a tamper loop circuit connected to the radio frequency identification circuit, the flexible electronic tag further comprising a flexible inlay and at least two precuts. The flexible inlay has a flat and elongated shape, comprising a first portion, which comprises the radio frequency identification circuit, and a second portion, which extends laterally from the first portion, and which comprises at least partially the tamper loop circuit. The at least two precuts, which extend from two opposite outer edges of the second portion of the flexible inlay into the flexible inlay beyond the half width of the flexible inlay, and the tamper loop circuit extends beyond the at least two precuts into the second portion of the flexible inlay.