Selective Conductive Shielding in RFID Labels for Overlap Reads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID label systems face issues where multiple labels on an adherend cannot be read accurately, or incorrect information is retrieved when updating information on the label.

Innovation Solution

An RFID label design featuring a conductive shielding layer on the inlay substrate, excluding the RFID antenna region, ensures that only the intended RFID label's information is readable by blocking communication with previously attached labels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple RFID labels are attached to an adherend in an overlapping manner to update information, then information can be updated, but any of the RFID labels may not be read or incorrect information may be read

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation update capabilityVSAvoidreading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding layer is selectively formed only in specific regions of the RFID label, excluding the antenna region. This local application of shielding material blocks electromagnetic interference from previously attached labels while preserving the reading capability of the current label, thereby resolving the contradiction between information update capability and reading accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding layer converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic interference from multiple overlapping labels into a beneficial selective blocking mechanism. By strategically positioning the shielding layer to exclude the antenna region, the design transforms the interference problem into a solution that allows only the desired label to be read while blocking others

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Measurement precision

If a shielding layer is added to block interference from previous labels, then reading accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading accuracyVSAvoidlabel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than adding a complete shielding layer across the entire label, the design applies shielding material only in specific regions where interference occurs, excluding the antenna region. This localized approach reduces the amount of additional material and structural complexity while maintaining the desired interference blocking functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding layer is applied partially to the extent necessary to block interference from previously attached labels, without providing complete shielding across the entire label surface. This partial action is sufficient to resolve the interference problem while minimizing the added complexity and material usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 shielding layer effectively prevents interference from previously attached RFID labels, allowing only the desired label's information to be read, enhancing accuracy and reliability in RFID systems.

Implementation Method 1

a shielding layer containing a conductive material is formed on at least a part of a region other than the RFID antenna of the inlay substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4220609B1RFID label and method for using RFID label
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SATO HLDG CORP
  • EP4220609B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4220609B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4220609B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An RFID label includes: an RFID inlay having an inlay substrate, an RFID antenna formed on a part of the inlay substrate, and an IC chip connected to the RFID antenna; a label substrate laminated on one surface of the RFID inlay via a lamination adhesive layer; and an adherend adhesive layer formed on the other surface of the RFID inlay, in which a shielding layer containing a conductive material is formed on at least a part of a region other than the RFID antenna of the inlay substrate.