Thermoadhesive Multilayer Device for Textile RFID Tags

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID and NFC tags are fragile and not well-suited for use on flexible or textile supports, as they are prone to damage from bending and moisture, limiting their application in areas like clothing and furnishings where stability and durability are needed.

Innovation Solution

A thermoadhesive multilayer device is created by integrating a radiofrequency tag between layers of heat-sealable materials, allowing for secure attachment to textile substrates and enhancing stability and waterproofing, using dielectric polymeric materials and bi-adhesive heat-sealing to ensure durability and resistance to mechanical stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional RFID/NFC tags are used on textile supports, then the device can be applied to flexible surfaces, but the tag is prone to damage from bending and moisture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to textile supportsVSAvoidresistance to bending and moisture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tag is nested between multiple protective layers including adhesive layers and protective films, creating a layered structure where each layer protects the tag from mechanical stress and environmental factors while maintaining flexibility for textile application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses composite material structure combining rigid tag components with flexible adhesive and protective layers, creating a hybrid construction that provides both mechanical protection and flexibility for textile support application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid plastic supports are used for NFC devices, then the tag has structural stability, but it cannot be effectively applied to flexible textile supports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidapplicability to flexible supports

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional layers: a stable rigid tag core for structural integrity and data storage, and flexible adhesive/protective layers for conforming to textile surfaces, allowing each segment to fulfill its specific function without compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible adhesive layers and protective films are used to encapsulate the rigid tag, providing a soft conformable exterior that can bend with textile supports while protecting the rigid internal components from mechanical damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If tags are glued or sewn between fabric edges, then the tag can be attached to textile, but the tag is exposed to excessive bending stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment to textileVSAvoidresistance to bending stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple protective layers are merged into a single integrated protective structure that encapsulates the tag, combining adhesive functionality, mechanical protection, and moisture barrier into one unified device that can be attached to textile without exposing the tag to bending stresses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional fixing methods are used, then the tag can be attached to supports, but the adhesion and durability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment processVSAvoidadhesion and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Adhesive layers are introduced as intermediary materials between the tag and textile support, providing strong bonding that transfers mechanical stress away from the tag while ensuring durable attachment to the flexible textile surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 significantly increases the stability and durability of RFID/NFC tags on flexible supports, enabling their use in clothing and furnishings while maintaining functionality and resistance to moisture, with improved adhesion and extended lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

layers of heat-sealable materials, allowing for secure attachment to textile substrates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat-sealing: Heating

Implementation Method 2

using dielectric polymeric materials and bi-adhesive heat-sealing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric property: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

bi-adhesive heat-sealing to ensure durability and resistance to mechanical stress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3485428B1Multilayer electronic device and method for the construction and fixing of the device

Publication Date: 2022.10.26 ME INNOVATION SRL

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9

AI summary

The present invention relates to the particularly innovative field of electronics applied to fabrics. In particular, the present invention provides a method and a multilayer device which allows the use of known electronic passive electronic devices already present on the market, or other electronic elements, making them coupled with fabrics or polymeric materials through the use of heat-sealable materials and so realizing an innovative and stable device.