Switchable RFID tag
View Patent ↗An RFID tag and a method of its use are disclosed. One such RFID tag includes first, second, and third RFID inlays included on a tag housing, the first, second, and third RFID inlays each corresponding to a different rate identifier. The tag also includes a panel engaged with the housing and movable among first, second and third positions. The panel includes RFID shorting structures each positioned to electrically contact one of the first, second, and third RFID inlays such that, in any of the first, second, and third positions, only one of the first, second, and third RFID inlays remains active.
1. An ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID tag comprising:
a first RFID inlay disposed on a first surface;
a second RFID inlay disposed on a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, the first and second RFID inlays,
a third RFID inlay disposed on the first surface, spaced apart from the first RFID inlay;
a panel movable between first, second, and third positions relative to the first and second surfaces, the panel including:
a first side facing the first surface;
a second side facing the second surface;
a first RFID shorting structure disposed on the first side;
a second RFID shorting structure disposed on the second side and offset from the first RFID structure such that, when the panel is in the first position, the first RFID shorting structure is offset from the first RFID inlay and the second RFID shorting structure is aligned with the second RFID inlay, and in the second position, the second RFID shorting structure is offset from the second RFID inlay and the first RFID shorting structure is aligned with the first RFID inlay;
a third RFID shorting structure positioned on the first side and offset from the first RFID shorting structure such that, when the panel is in the third position, the third RFID shorting structure is aligned with the first RFID inlay; and
a fourth RFID shorting structure positioned on the second side and offset from the second RFID shorting structure such that, when the panel is in the third position, the second RFID shorting structure is aligned with the second RFID inlay.
wherein, when the panel is in the first position, the first RFID shorting structure is aligned with the third RFID inlay.
2. The UHF RFID tolling tag of claim 1 , wherein the first RFID shorting structure includes a shorting bar having a plurality of metallic pads, the metallic pads each arranged to electrically short a region of the first RFID inlay when aligned with the first RFID inlay.
3. The UHF RFID tolling tag of claim 2 , wherein, when the panel is in the first position, the second RFID shorting structure is electrically connected to the second RFID inlay and the first RFID shorting structure is not electrically connected to the first RFID inlay.
4. The UHF RFID tolling tag of claim 3 , wherein, when the panel is in the second position, the first RFID shorting structure is electrically connected to the first RFID inlay and the second RFID shorting structure is not electrically connected to the second RFID inlay.
5. The UHF RFID tolling tag of claim 1 , wherein the panel has a thickness greater than or equal to about 5 millimeters.
6. The UHF RFID tolling tag of claim 1 , wherein the panel is retained within a housing that includes the first and second surfaces, and is slidable between the first and second positions.
7. The UHF RFID tolling tag of claim 6 , further comprising an affixation mechanism attached to the housing.
8. The UHF RFID tolling tag of claim 7 , wherein the affixation mechanism comprises one or more suction cups.
9. The tag of claim 1 , wherein the first and second RFID inlays are positioned in alignment with each other.