Washable RFID Button Tag With Inductive Coupling for Apparel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID devices used for tracking apparel are prone to damage and performance degradation due to repeated washing and laundry processes, which can destroy or severely degrade their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A washable and durable passive UHFID RFID device is designed with an RFID IC or microchip connected to a small UHF inductive loop antenna, encapsulated in a rigid material, forming a standard clothing button, and paired with a radiating structure for extended read range, capable of withstanding repeated washing and laundry processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RFID devices are used for tracking apparel, then the device can provide identification and tracking functionality, but the device is prone to damage and performance degradation due to repeated washing and laundry processes
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID device is encapsulated in a flexible waterproof coating or thin film encapsulation layer that protects the electronic components from moisture and mechanical stress during washing. This thin protective barrier allows the device to withstand repeated laundry cycles while maintaining its identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID device employs composite material construction combining water-resistant materials, flexible substrates, and durable encapsulants. This composite structure provides both protection against laundry processes and maintains the electrical properties needed for RFID operation, resolving the contradiction between durability and functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If the RFID device is made compact and integrated into apparel, then the device can be seamlessly incorporated into clothing items, but the read range and signal strength are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated RFID device unit, merging the antenna, electronic tag, and power source into one compact component. This consolidation achieves small device size suitable for apparel integration while maintaining adequate read range through optimized antenna design and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID device utilizes three-dimensional antenna configurations and spatial optimization to maximize read range within a compact form factor. By arranging antenna elements in specific three-dimensional patterns and positioning the device strategically on the apparel item, the system achieves extended read range without increasing device volume.
3Device complexity
If the RFID device uses passive design without internal power source, then the device simplicity and long life are achieved, but the read range and communication distance are more limited compared to active devices
Solution Approach 1:
The passive RFID device employs parameter optimization including operating frequency selection, antenna impedance matching, and tag modulation scheme adjustment to maximize read range. By carefully tuning these parameters, the device achieves extended communication distance while maintaining passive operation and simplicity without requiring an internal power source.
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 provides a reliable and long-lasting RFID tracking system for apparel, achieving read ranges of up to 6 meters by combining the button structure with a radiating structure for inductive coupling, ensuring the device remains functional and readable despite repeated exposure to laundry conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a small UHF inductive loop antenna operatively connected to the RFID IC or microchip 12
Implementation Method 2
combining the button structure with a radiating structure for inductive coupling, achieving read ranges of up to 6 meters
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency identification (RFID) device including: a circuit provisioned to communicate an identification code to an RFID reader; a first antenna operatively connected to the circuit; and a radiating structure inductive coupled to the first antenna.