Wirelessly Powered Flexible Tag Inducing Substrate Responses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID tags, both passive and active, are limited in their functionality as they only receive energy to transmit signals and do not induce any work or change in the substrate they are affixed to, despite having the capability to generate energy.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly powered flexible tag (WPFT) that couples with a substrate, using a coupling layer and electrical circuitry to interact with external stimuli, generating electrical or thermal responses, or both, to induce changes in the substrate, incorporating radio frequency circuitry and heating elements for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags are designed as passive or active devices for signal transmission only, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but functionality and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is designed to perform multiple functions: it can sense substrate properties (electrical conductivity, temperature), store this information in memory, and wirelessly transmit data. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hardware components serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines sensing elements, memory storage, and wireless communication capabilities into a single integrated RFID tag device. By merging these previously separate functions into one unit, the tag achieves enhanced adaptability while managing device complexity through integration rather than separate components.
2Productivity
If RFID tags generate energy but do not use it to induce work or change in substrate, then energy consumption is minimized and device simplicity is maintained, but productivity and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag uses its own generated energy to power the sensing and communication functions integrated within it. The tag harvests energy from the RF field it receives, stores it in a power management circuit, and uses this stored energy to activate sensors, process data in memory, and transmit information wirelessly, enabling the device to serve itself without external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a power management circuit that dynamically controls energy consumption by switching between different operational states (sleep mode, active sensing mode, transmission mode). This allows the tag to optimize energy usage based on operational requirements, enabling enhanced functionality while managing energy consumption through parameter adjustment rather than continuous high-power operation.
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
Enables the WPFT to induce electrical or thermal responses in substrates, expanding the functionality of RFID tags beyond mere signal transmission, suitable for diverse applications including security, biotechnology, and medical uses.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency circuitry disposed on the coupling layer and configured to interact wirelessly with an external stimulus
Implementation Method 2
at least one electrode or at least one heating element in operative association with the electrical circuit, and configured to generate electrical energy or thermal energy, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A wirelessly powered flexible tag configured to be in contact with a substrate is provided. The tag includes a coupling layer configured to couple the tag to the substrate. An electrical circuit disposed on the coupling layer and configured to interact wirelessly with an external stimulus. The tag further includes at least one electrode or at least one heating element in operative association with the electrical circuit, and configured to generate electrical energy or thermal energy, respectively. Upon wireless interaction with the external stimulus the tag is configured to induce an electrical response, a thermal response, or a combination of both in the substrate.