Stretch-Activated RFID Tags for Wearable Textiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID tags on clothing face challenges such as antenna breakage and require manual activation, which complicates inventory control and data collection, especially in wearable textile articles like clothing that need to automatically adjust their operational modes based on wear status.
Innovation Solution
Integration of stretch-activated and contact-activated switches in RFID tags on wearable textiles that automatically activate or deactivate based on stretching or contact with the user, eliminating the need for manual switching and enabling seamless data collection and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID tags are integrated into wearable textiles, then data collection and tracking capabilities are improved, but the reliability of the RFID tag is worsened due to antenna breakage and damage from stretching and washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible substrate materials and thin film structures to create RFID tags that can bend and stretch with the wearable textile without breaking. The antenna is designed as a flexible trace pattern on a flexible substrate, allowing it to deform elastically during stretching and washing cycles while maintaining electrical connectivity and functional integrity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If manual switching is required for RFID tags, then power consumption can be controlled, but the ease of operation is worsened due to the need for user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic switching mechanisms that detect whether the wearable textile is being worn or stored, and autonomously activate or deactivate the RFID tag accordingly. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual user intervention while maintaining power efficiency by keeping the tag dormant when not in use and automatically activating it when the textile is worn.
3Loss of information
If RFID tags are always activated, then data collection is continuous, but the loss of energy increases due to constant operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic activation of the RFID tag based on detected wear events. Rather than continuous operation, the tag is activated periodically when the textile is worn and deactivated when stored, creating an on-demand data collection pattern that maintains information availability while dramatically reducing overall energy consumption through intermittent operation cycles.
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 allows for automatic activation/deactivation of RFID tags on wearable textiles, enhancing user experience by eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving data collection accuracy, particularly in smart laundry settings by enabling compatible cleaning instructions and notifications.
Implementation Method 1
a stretch-activated switch having first and second modes, each mode of the stretch-activated switch associated with an RFID tag state
Implementation Method 2
The RFID tag includes a contact-activated switch that can enable and disable individual antennas of an antenna pair on the RFID tag
Data Source
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AI summary
A stretch-activated switch is incorporated in an RFID tag that can be mounted on a stretchable, wearable textile article. The stretch-activated switch can receive a stretch input to place the RFID tag in either an activated or an unactivated state. The stretch input can correspond to a user donning or doffing the stretchable, wearable textile article.