Tamper-Evident RFID Tag Housing for Gas Container Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional identification methods for gas containers, such as labels, are bulky, difficult to read, and prone to degradation due to environmental conditions and rough handling, while RFID devices can be tampered with and reused, posing security risks.
Innovation Solution
Designing RFID devices with a low profile, flexible housing that adheres securely to conductive surfaces, including metallic containers, and is designed to break apart upon removal to prevent re-use, while being resistant to harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional identification labels are affixed to gas containers, then identification information can be displayed, but the labels are difficult to read, prone to degradation from environmental conditions and rough handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/visual identification labels with an RFID (radio-frequency identification) system. The RFID tag stores identification information electronically and communicates it wirelessly to readers, eliminating the need for physical labels that are difficult to read and prone to degradation. This substitution of mechanical identification with electromagnetic field-based identification resolves the contradiction between durability and readability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RFID devices are applied as adhesive labels to containers, then identification and tracking can be achieved, but the devices can be tampered with and removed for re-use on other containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a break-line feature into the RFID tag housing during manufacturing, before the tag is applied to the container. This pre-established weakness is designed to fail in a specific way upon removal attempts. The break-line creates a predetermined failure mode that destroys the housing integrity, preventing reuse. This preliminary structural design resolves the contradiction between adaptability and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is designed as a single-use, non-reusable component. The housing includes a break-line that causes it to destroy itself upon removal, ensuring it cannot be transferred to another container. This disposable design approach resolves the security concern by making the identification device inherently non-reusable, while still maintaining full identification functionality during its service life.
3Reliability
If RFID devices are made durable and permanently secured to prevent removal, then security against tampering is improved, but the devices may be difficult to install or replace
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag housing is segmented with a break-line that creates a controlled weakness. This segmentation allows the housing to be easily applied to containers during manufacturing while ensuring it will destroy itself upon removal attempts. The break-line divides the housing structure into sections that can be molded separately and assembled, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining security through the predetermined failure mode.
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
Ensures secure, durable tracking and identification of gas containers without interference from handling or environmental factors, preventing tampering and re-use.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID device includes an antenna and an integrated circuit (IC) that can store information about the tracked object
Data Source
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AI summary
Described examples relate to a radio frequency identification (RFID) device configured to be detachably coupled to an object. The RFID device may include a first RFID tag comprising a first antenna, the first antenna comprising a first arcuate element and a second arcuate element, wherein the first accurate element and second arcuate element are arranged in a semicircle. The RFID device may also include a second RFID tag comprising a second antenna.