Switchable RFID Tag With Sliding Antenna Coupling for Privacy Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID tags lack the ability to be deactivated, which poses security risks in situations where sensitive personal information needs to be protected from unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
The development of an RFID switch tag that allows manual activation or deactivation through a mechanism such as a slider, lever, or rotatable member, coupled with a booster antenna to extend the operational range and a visual indicator for status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RFID tags are used to store sensitive personal information, then the information can be easily accessed and read, but the information becomes vulnerable to unauthorized reading and security breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that allows the RFID tag to transition between active and inactive states. A switch component (such as a slider, lever, or rotatable member) physically connects or disconnects the antenna from the integrated circuit, enabling the tag to dynamically adjust its operational state based on security requirements. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by allowing the tag to be secure (inactive) when privacy is needed and accessible (active) when authentication is required.
2Ease of operation
If the RFID tag is always active to maintain operational flexibility, then the tag can be read at any time, but sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The switch mechanism enables dynamic control of the RFID tag's operational state, allowing users to activate or deactivate the tag as needed. This resolves the contradiction by providing operational flexibility only when required, while maintaining security during periods when the tag is inactive. The switch component physically alters the electrical connection between the antenna and integrated circuit, enabling the tag to be operational or non-operational at the user's discretion.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch mechanism allows users to proactively deactivate the RFID tag before potential unauthorized access occurs. By providing a simple manual switch, users can preliminarily prevent harmful readings by disconnecting the antenna from the integrated circuit in advance, thus avoiding exposure of sensitive information while maintaining the ability to activate the tag when legitimate access is needed.
3Reliability
If a switch mechanism is added to enable activation/deactivation, then security control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanical switch component that physically connects or disconnects the antenna from the integrated circuit through simple movements such as sliding, lever action, or rotation. This mechanical approach provides effective security control without requiring complex electronic circuits or software mechanisms. The switch component adds minimal structural complexity while delivering robust security control functionality.
4Length of stationary object
If the antenna is always connected to the integrated circuit, then the RFID tag maintains maximum operational range, but the tag cannot be deactivated for security purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The switch mechanism dynamically alters the physical connection between the antenna and integrated circuit. When deactivated, the switch opens the electrical connection, preventing RF signals from reaching the integrated circuit and effectively limiting the operational range to zero. When activated, the switch closes the connection, restoring full operational range. This dynamic connection control resolves the contradiction by allowing the tag to have maximum range when needed and zero range when security is prioritized.
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 users to selectively activate or deactivate the RFID tag, providing enhanced security and privacy by preventing unauthorized reading of sensitive information, while also maintaining operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a booster antenna for extending the operational range of the RFID device
Implementation Method 2
when a region of the booster antenna overlaps a region of the conductive trace pattern on the RF module via inductive or capacitive coupling
Implementation Method 3
when a region of the booster antenna overlaps a region of the conductive trace pattern on the RF module via inductive or capacitive coupling
Implementation Method 4
all or a portion of the booster antenna may at least partially shield the RF module when the RFID switch device is in an inactive state
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag device comprising: a first RFID module positioned on a first plane; at least one un-tuned antenna section positioned on a second plane, wherein the first plane is positioned parallel to the second plane; a second RFID module positioned on the first plane; a third RFID module positioned on the first plane; and a sliding mechanism configured to move between a first position, a second position, and a third position; and wherein, in the first position, the first RFID module is coupled to the at least one un-tuned antenna section to form a tuned RFID tag, and the second and third RFID modules are detuned and/or inoperable; and in the second position, the second RFID module is coupled to the at least one un-tuned antenna section to form a tuned RFID tag, and the first RFID module and third RFID module are detuned and/or inoperable; and in the third position, the third RFID module is coupled to the at least one un-tuned antenna section to form a tuned RFID tag, and the first and second RFID modules are detuned and/or inoperable.