Single-Layer RFID Label for Injection Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID labels integrated into transport containers are not robust enough to withstand mechanical and chemical stresses in logistics processes, leading to detachment and increased production costs due to complex lamination processes and additional materials.
Innovation Solution
A single-layer flexible label with an integrated RFID transponder is produced using an IN-MOULD process, where the carrier material is provided with an optically readable identification and an electrically conductive antenna structure on the back, ensuring the materials have similar shrinkage behavior and eliminating the need for additional layers, allowing for cost-effective roll-to-roll printing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RFID labels are integrated into transport containers using standard labeling methods, then the labels can be applied to containers, but they lack robustness to withstand mechanical and chemical stresses in logistics processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RFID transponder, antenna structure, and carrier material into a single integrated unit that is directly embedded within the container wall during injection molding. This merging eliminates the need for separate labeling steps and creates a unified structure that withstands mechanical and chemical stresses together, resolving the contradiction between label robustness and resistance to harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by integrating the RFID transponder and antenna structure into a multi-layer composite structure that includes the carrier material and container wall material. This composite approach creates a heterogeneous material system where each layer contributes specific properties, enhancing overall robustness while maintaining resistance to mechanical and chemical stress.
2Reliability
If multiple layers and additional materials are used to protect the RFID transponder, then the label becomes more robust, but production costs increase due to complex lamination processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the structural function by integrating the RFID transponder and antenna directly into the container wall during injection molding. This eliminates the need for separate protective layers and lamination processes, reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining robust protection for the transponder through the unified integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the RFID transponder and antenna structure from the conventional multi-layer label assembly and integrates them directly into the container wall during injection molding. This extraction from the traditional labeling process eliminates complex lamination steps and additional materials, reducing production costs while maintaining transponder protection through the integrated design.
3Shape
If the label material has different shrinkage behavior from the container material, then the label can be differentiated, but mechanical stress damages the transponder during molding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a differentiated label structure only where needed for identification, while the rest of the container wall maintains uniform material properties. The RFID transponder and antenna structure are locally integrated into specific regions of the container wall, allowing differentiation for identification purposes while maintaining overall material compatibility to prevent stress damage during molding.
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 solution provides a robust, cost-effective, and reliable RFID labeling system that reduces mechanical stress on the transponder, ensuring stable functionality and lower production costs, while maintaining the same expansion and contraction behavior as the container material, thus preventing damage and ensuring efficient identification of goods.
Implementation Method 1
the materials of the container (1) and label (3) with the transponder (2) essentially having the same shrinkage and expansion behavior
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a container (1) comprising an identifiable, flexible label (3) and an integrated RFID transponder. According to said method, the front face of a support material of the flexible label (3) is provided with an optically readable identification, and the rear face (7) of the support material is subsequently or simultaneously provided with the antenna structure (6). A microchip (5) is then mounted on the antenna structure (6), whereupon the label (3) encompassing the RFID transponder (2) is connected to the container (1) in an in-mold process. The materials of the container (1) and the label (3) comprising the RFID transponder have essentially the same shrinkage and expansion behavior while the flexible label (3) is embodied in a single layer.