Slit-Aluminum Reflective RFID Structure for Fabric Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NFC devices on flexible or semi-rigid supports face issues with fragility, limited flexibility, and short operating range due to the use of conductive loops and inductive coupling, which are prone to breaking and tampering, limiting their application in various areas.
Innovation Solution
The use of a reflective principle for magnetic field application, employing a specially designed aluminum foil with a slit to refract electromagnetic waves, allowing activation of a rigid module without conductive loops, and a multilevel structure with a thermoadhesive dielectric layer to enhance durability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive loops and inductive coupling are used in NFC devices on flexible supports, then short-range contactless communication is enabled, but the device becomes fragile and prone to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conductive loop structure from the NFC device, extracting the problematic element that caused fragility. Instead of using traditional spiral or loop antennas, the invention employs a different architectural approach that eliminates the need for these vulnerable conductive structures on flexible supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by placing the electronic circuit on a rigid support rather than a flexible one, and using a different coupling mechanism that doesn't rely on conductive loops. This inversion of the conventional design paradigm resolves the fragility issue while maintaining NFC functionality.
2Reliability
If conductive traces are created on flexible supports, then NFC functionality is achieved, but the traces are not resistant to bending and folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a rigid support instead of a flexible one, and positioning the NFC device externally rather than integrating it into the fabric. This inversion resolves the bending resistance issue while achieving the goal of textile application through external attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the NFC device within a protective housing or enclosure that can be attached to the textile. This nesting approach protects the conductive traces from bending stresses while maintaining the flexible support compatibility through external attachment mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If NFC devices are made with rigid or semi-rigid supports, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to fabric applications are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the rigid NFC device within a flexible enclosure or housing that can be attached to fabric. This allows the rigid support to provide structural stability while the external attachment mechanism enables adaptability to fabric applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment mechanism (such as a flexible housing, adhesive layer, or mounting structure) between the rigid NFC device and the fabric. This intermediary element reconciles the contradiction by providing both structural support and fabric compatibility.
4Reliability
If soldering is used to attach the chip to conductive tracks, then electrical connection is achieved, but the welds are vulnerable to breaking under compression and traction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the soldering process from the manufacturing sequence by using alternative attachment methods such as conductive adhesive, tape, or mechanical mounting. This extraction of the vulnerable soldering step eliminates the weld breaking issue while maintaining electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical soldering process with a different joining method that is more resistant to stress, such as using conductive adhesives, epoxy bonds, or mechanical connectors that can withstand compression and traction without breaking.
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 enables RFID systems with increased reading distance and area, improved durability, and compatibility with various readers, while maintaining flexibility and resistance to bending, suitable for applications on fabrics.
Implementation Method 1
employing a specially designed aluminum foil with a slit to refract electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
NFC technology is therefore commonly used for short-range contactless communications based on standard radio frequency identification (RFID) using magnetic field induction
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
The present invention refers to the field of electronic devices, with reference to the radio transmission and reception field operating in radiofrequency and, more particularly, to the TAG field operating in RFID technology. In particular, the present invention deals with RFID communication devices preferably applied or realized on rigid or semi-rigid supports, with particular reference to textile supports Even more particularly, the present invention intends to improve and enhance an invention described by the same applicant in a previous application mentioned in the description. Similar to at least some of the objects described in the invention mentioned above, also the present invention has, among others, the purpose of describing a method and a relative innovative electronic system, suitable for being made, or solidarily fixed to a rigid or semi-rigid support, in particular with reference to certain types of textile supports suitable for the purpose, which will be the object of some preferred embodiments described hereinbelow.