Switchable RFID Tag With Movable Shorting Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID tags can only operate in two distinct states, making them inadequate for applications requiring multiple recognizable states, as they become transparent to RFID readers in the deactivated state, limiting their functionality in scenarios like tolling systems where different charging rates are needed based on various conditions.

Innovation Solution

The development of switchable RFID tags with multiple inlays and movable panels that include shorting structures, allowing each inlay to be independently activated or deactivated, enabling the tag to respond differently to RFID reader interrogation signals, thus providing multiple recognizable states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an RFID tag is deactivated by blocking the RF field or using a mechanical switch, then the tag can be switched between two states, but the tag becomes transparent to RFID readers in the deactivated state, preventing multiple recognizable states

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of operational statesVSAvoidtag response visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is segmented into multiple independent inlays (first, second, and third RFID inlays), each capable of independent activation and deactivation. This segmentation allows the tag to present multiple different identifiers to readers, enabling multiple recognizable states rather than a single binary state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the tag (each RFID inlay) have different functional properties - each inlay contains a unique identifier and can be independently controlled. The shorting structures are selectively positioned to affect specific local regions (inlays) without affecting others, allowing precise control over which identifier is presented.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a mechanical switch or field blocking method is used to deactivate an RFID tag, then the tag can be switched between active and inactive states, but the structure becomes complex and the deactivated state is not recognizable to readers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag switching capabilityVSAvoidswitching mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches or field-blocking mechanisms with capacitive shorting structures. These shorting structures use electrical capacitance to deactivate RFID inlays by creating a capacitive divide that prevents RF energy absorption, eliminating the need for complex mechanical moving parts while maintaining reliable switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an RFID tag uses a single inlay with binary activation, then the structure remains simple, but the tag cannot provide multiple recognizable states for different charging rates or usage models

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple operational statesVSAvoidnumber of RFID inlays

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple RFID inlays are integrated into a single tag housing, with each inlay serving as a functional unit that can be independently activated. This multi-functional design allows the tag to present different identifiers for different charging rates or usage models, with the panel position determining which inlay is active.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the RFID tag to respond to RFID reader signals in various configurations, allowing for user-selectable states that can differentiate between different charging rates or usage models, enhancing the functionality in applications like traffic tolling systems by providing multiple affirmative responses.

Implementation Method 1

the panel includes a plurality of RFID shorting structures each positioned to electrically contact one of the first, second, and third RFID inlays such that, in any of the first, second, and third positions, only one of the first, second, and third RFID inlays remains disconnected from any of the plurality of RFID shorting structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive electrical connection: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a panel engaged with the housing and movable among first, second and third positions relative to the first, second, and third RFID inlays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement:

Implementation Method 3

This therefore allows the RFID inlay 206 to absorb RF energy, and accordingly respond to received RFID read requests

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF energy absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3486840B1Switchable RFID tag

Publication Date: 2021.05.19 NEOLOGY INC

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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary

An RFID tag and a method of its use are disclosed. One such RFID tag includes first, second, and third RFID inlays included on a tag housing, the first, second, and third RFID inlays each corresponding to a different rate identifier. The tag also includes a panel engaged with the housing and movable among first, second and third positions. The panel includes RFID shorting structures each positioned to electrically contact one of the first, second, and third RFTD inlays such that, in any of the first, second, and third positions, only one of the first, second, and third RFID inlays remains active.