Identification band using serpentine paths to detect tampering
View Patent ↗A tamper-resistant RFID wristband that becomes permanently disabled upon tampering. The wristband includes a plurality of holes for snugly securing the band to a wearer, an RFID circuit, and an electrically conductive loop disposed in the band. The RFID circuit and the conductive loop are electrically coupled to form a series circuit, severance of which disables the wristband. The electrically conductive loop includes a first layer and a second layer that are electrically isolated from one another, save for at least one electrical connection made preferably by a via at the end of the band distal from the antenna element. The first layer encircles the holes in a serpentine path on one layer of the band and the second layer encircles the holes in a complimentary serpentine path on a different layer of the band.
1. A tamper-resistant RFID identification apparatus, comprising:
a band;
an RFID circuit that includes an RFID transponder chip and an antenna element disposed on the band;
an electrically conductive trace external to the RFID circuit and disposed on the band and electrically coupled to the RFID transponder chip and the antenna element, and also arranged to disable the RFID circuit when cut, wherein the conductive trace also overlaps itself at at least one overlap point; and
an insulating material disposed between the portions of the electrically conductive trace at the at least one overlap point.
2. The identification apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the conductive trace is provided by a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion disposed on a first side of the band and the second portion disposed on a second side of the band.
3. The identification apparatus of claim 2 , wherein a via through the band connects at least the first portion of the conductive trace to at least the second portion of the conductive trace.
4. The identification apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the RFID transponder chip is disposed on an end of the band that is distal from the antenna element.
5. The identification apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the conductive trace provides a series connection between the RFID transponder chip and the antenna element.
6. The identification apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the antenna element is a coiled antenna.
7. The identification apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the band includes a series of holes along a length thereof.
8. The identification apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive trace is disposed along substantially the entire length of the band.
9. A tamper-resistant RFID band identification apparatus, comprising:
means for securing the apparatus to a wearer using a selected one of a plurality of holes formed therein to engage a locking peg; and
a disabling wire electrically coupled to an RFID circuit and encircling the holes such that the secured apparatus will necessarily be disabled if a slit is made between any two holes used to secure the apparatus to the wearer.
10. A tamper-resistant RFID band identification apparatus, comprising:
means for securing the apparatus to a wearer using a selected one of a plurality of holes formed therein to engage a locking peg; and
a disabling wire electrically coupled to an RFID circuit and encircling the holes such that the secured apparatus will necessarily be disabled if a substantially longitudinal slit is made between any two holes used to secure the apparatus to the wearer.