Wire-Format RFID Antenna Mounting for Flexible Durable Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID devices face challenges in achieving a balance between flexibility and durability, particularly in the design of their antennas, which are often prone to damage due to their thin, flat configuration.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an antenna with a cross section featuring a partially curved perimeter, allowing for improved durability through the use of conductive materials like copper wire with a circular or flattened oval shape, and connection methods such as adhesion or welding to connection pads, which can be deformed to enhance the contact area and reliability of the joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thin, flat antenna configuration is used, then flexibility is achieved, but durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the antenna as a wire with a circular cross-section instead of a flat configuration. This cylindrical shape provides inherent structural strength while maintaining flexibility, directly resolving the contradiction between durability and flexibility. The curved geometry distributes stress more effectively than flat configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the antenna by transitioning from a two-dimensional flat shape to a three-dimensional wire format with specific diameter measurements (0.5mm to 2mm). This parameter change fundamentally alters both the mechanical strength and flexibility characteristics, achieving improved durability without sacrificing adaptability.
2Strength
If the antenna is made thicker or more robust, then durability improves, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical wire configuration with circular cross-section provides optimal strength-to-flexibility ratio. The three-dimensional curved structure inherently resists breaking while maintaining bendability, solving the contradiction between robustness and flexibility better than increasing thickness alone would achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the antenna from a two-dimensional flat element to a three-dimensional wire structure. This dimensional change adds structural integrity through the third dimension (wire diameter) while preserving flexibility through the cylindrical geometry, effectively resolving the strength-flexibility trade-off.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional connection methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the antenna wire with a flattened oval cross-section at the connection location before the connection process. This pre-shaping ensures proper alignment and contact with the connection pad, improving connection reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integration into the existing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-section shape of the antenna wire along its length - circular in most sections for flexibility and durability, but flattened oval at connection points for improved connection reliability. This localized modification enhances connection quality without affecting the overall antenna performance or manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An RFID device includes an antenna defining a gap, with an RFID chip electrically coupled to the antenna across the gap. The RFID chip may be incorporated into an RFID strap, in which a pair of connection pads is connected to the RFID chip, with the connection pads connected to the antenna on opposite sides of the gap. Alternatively, the antenna may be connected to bond pads of the RFID chip. At least a portion of the antenna has a cross section with an at least partially curved perimeter. The cross section of the antenna may be differently shaped at different locations, such as having a flattened oval shape at one location and a substantially circular shape at another location. A portion of the cross section of the antenna may have a non-curved, relatively sharp edge, which may break through an outer oxide layer of a connection pad.