Strain Gauge Data Carrier Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data carriers, such as RFID tags, are prone to malfunction when subjected to strains like bending or twisting, and existing solutions rely on unreliable mechanical components for deactivation, increasing manufacturing costs and limiting their operational control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating strain gauge means to measure substrate deformation and transmit a deactivating signal to the data circuit if strains exceed a defined threshold, allowing the data circuit to control communication with external readers/writers and enabling various operating modes, including temporary or permanent interruption of data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical components like switches and wires are used for deactivation, then the data carrier can be deactivated, but the reliability decreases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical deactivation components (switches, wires, tongues) with an electronic strain gauge system integrated into the substrate. The strain gauge means detect mechanical strain electronically and trigger deactivation through electrical signals to the data circuit, eliminating the need for mechanical switches and manual positioning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The data carrier performs self-monitoring and self-deactivation through the integrated strain gauge system. The substrate itself detects strain conditions and automatically triggers the deactivation sequence without requiring external mechanical components or manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient and more reliable.
2Length of stationary object
If the data carrier is made thinner, then the thickness is reduced, but the susceptibility to strain-induced malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauge system performs preliminary detection of strain conditions before actual damage or malfunction occurs. By continuously monitoring strain on the thin substrate, the system can trigger preventive deactivation before the strain causes irreversible damage to the data circuit or antenna, allowing thinner designs to maintain reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated strain gauge provides real-time feedback on the mechanical state of the thin substrate to the data circuit. This feedback loop enables the system to respond dynamically to strain conditions, adjusting operation or deactivating as needed, thus allowing the use of thinner materials without compromising reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual positioning of mechanical components is used, then deactivation can be achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates manually positioned mechanical components entirely by using an electronic strain gauge system that can be integrated into the substrate through standard fabrication processes. The strain gauge, being part of the substrate structure itself, requires no manual positioning and can be manufactured automatically, significantly reducing production costs and complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical components are used for deactivation, then the data carrier can be deactivated, but the operational control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauge system provides dynamic monitoring and adaptive response to strain conditions. Unlike static mechanical switches, the electronic system can continuously assess strain levels and make real-time decisions about operation or deactivation, enabling multiple operational modes (continue operation, temporary interruption, permanent deactivation) based on the severity and duration of strain conditions.
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 solution provides reliable and cost-effective strain monitoring, allowing the data carrier to maintain control over communication and log strain occurrences, reducing the risk of data corruption and permanent damage, and is applicable to both contactless and contact IC cards.
Implementation Method 1
at least one strain gauge means being adapted to measure strains exerted on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A data carrier (2) comprises a data circuit (4) arranged on a substrate (3) and data transmission unit (10) being connected to the data circuit (4). The data carrier (2) further comprises at least one strain gauge unit (7) being adapted to measure strains exerted on the substrate (3) and to transmit a deactivating signal (DE) to the data circuit (4) if the measured strains exceed a defined deactivating strain threshold. If the data circuit (4) receives the deactivating signal (DE), the data circuit (4) interrupts a data exchange with an external data reader/writer (1) via the data transmission unit (10).