Tamper-Detecting RFID Packaging With Integrated Galvanic Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current NFC/RFID systems face limitations in range and power efficiency due to the short-read range limitations of NFC devices and the limited power supply of passive tags, which restricts their use in applications requiring long-range communication and real-time location tracking in supply chains.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer laminate structure with an encapsulated transformative material that changes impedance in response to intrusions, integrated with an NFC/RFID circuit and a galvanic cell, enabling enhanced power supply and communication capabilities, including the use of a battery-assisted passive or active tag configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If NFC/RFID systems use passive tags with limited power supply, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but communication range is limited and power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a passive RFID tag with a galvanic cell (battery) to create a hybrid power system. The galvanic cell provides additional power reservoir while the passive tag structure maintains simplicity. This merging allows the tag to operate in both passive mode (for short-range, low-power operations) and active mode (for long-range, high-power operations), effectively resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and communication range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between passive and active operating modes based on power availability and communication requirements. The RFID circuit can draw power from either the harvested RF energy or the galvanic cell, allowing adaptive adjustment of transmission power and communication range. This dynamic operation enables the tag to extend its communication range when needed while maintaining low complexity during normal operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If NFC devices operate with short-read range limitations, then power consumption is reduced, but productivity in supply chain tracking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the specific tracking task requirements. For close-range item identification, it operates in low-power passive mode. For long-range location tracking and inventory management across supply chain facilities, it activates the galvanic cell to provide sustained high-power transmission. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and tracking productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The galvanic cell enables periodic high-power transmission bursts for long-range communication, followed by lower-power states. This periodic operation pattern allows the system to achieve high productivity during active tracking phases while maintaining acceptable average power consumption, resolving the contradiction between energy use and tracking efficiency.
3Device complexity
If passive RFID tags are used without additional power source, then device complexity is minimized, but duration of action and real-time tracking capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a passive RFID tag with a galvanic cell to create a dual-power-source system. The galvanic cell serves as an extended power reservoir that can supply energy for prolonged periods, enabling real-time tracking operations that require sustained power consumption. The passive tag component maintains minimal complexity, while the combined system achieves extended operational duration through the battery's energy storage capacity.
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 extends the communication range and power efficiency of NFC/RFID tags, enabling effective real-time location tracking and tamper detection, while also distinguishing genuine from counterfeit products through unique codewords.
Implementation Method 1
at least one integrated galvanic cell configured to supply electrical power to the NFC/RFID integrated circuit
Implementation Method 2
The transformative material is configured to undergo a state change (for example, by a chemical reaction or physical change) that changes impedance between the first and second conductive layers in response to an intrusion or perforation
Implementation Method 3
one of the first and second conductive layers can be configured (for example, by printing or etching) to provide a coil antenna
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A packaging system or tag is provided for at least one article or item, which employs a multilayer laminate structure that includes an encapsulated transformative material that is disposed between first and second conductive layers. The transformative material is configured to undergo a state change (for example, by a chemical reaction or physical change) that changes impedance between the first and second conductive layers in response to an intrusion or perforation through at least part of the multilayer laminate structure. Furthermore, one of the first and second conductive layers can be configured (for example, by printing or etching) to provide an RF antenna and a first electrode of the at least one integrated galvanic cell. The other of the first and second conductive layers can provide a second electrode of the at least one integrated galvanic cell. The at least one integrated galvanic cell is further provided by encapsulated electrolyte material and ion bridge disposed between the first and second conductive layers. At least one NFC/RFID integrated circuit is mechanically secured to the multilayer laminate structure (for example, in space between the first and second conductive layers) and electrically coupled to the coil antenna, the at least one galvanic cell, and other parts of the first and second conductive layers of the multilayer laminate structure. The galvanic cell can also be made to have long shelf life.