Radio frequency identification tags for three dimensional objects
View Patent ↗In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on a target surface of a non-planar object may be provided. The method may include positioning an antenna on the target surface of the non-planar object, positioning a reactive RFID strap on the target surface, and coupling the reactive RFID strap to the antenna to induce an antenna response.
1. A method of manufacturing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on a target non-planar package surface of a package, the method comprising:
scanning the target surface of the non-planar object to determine a three dimensional shape of the non-planar object;
selecting a design for an antenna suitable for the target surface, compensating for target surface shape and position, a shape of the antenna being conformable to a shape of the target surface;
selecting a design of a reactive RFID strap based on one or more of the target surface and the selected antenna, wherein the design of the reactive RFID strap includes surface deflections;
positioning the antenna on the target surface of the non-planar object;
positioning the reactive RFID strap on the target surface;
coupling the reactive RFID strap to the antenna to induce an antenna response; and
measuring a performance of the RFID tag.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the target surface is at least one of coupled to or part of a container.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the container is one of a bag, a box, a bottle, or a can.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reactive RFID strap is positioned on the target surface prior to positioning the antenna.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reactive RFID strap is coupled to the antenna via an electric field.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reactive RFID strap is coupled to the antenna via a magnetic field.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reactive RFID strap is coupled to the antenna via both an electric field and a magnetic field.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reactive RFID strap is physically coupled to the antenna.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antenna is sprayed or printed on the target surface.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antenna is formed from a conductive ink.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising choosing a position for attaching the reactive RFID strap to the surface based on the scanning.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
the target surface by depositing a separator layer on a target area of the non-planar object, the target surface being an external surface of the separator layer.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein a thickness of the separator layer is adapted to improve stability of the RFID tag.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the separator layer is formed on a supporting surface of the non-planar object and comprises a ramped portion, and
wherein the antenna is deposited onto the ramped portion and the supporting surface.
15. The method of claim 1 , further comprising forming the target area by applying a base conductor to a supporting surface of the non-planar object.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the reactive RFID strap on the target surface includes forming the reactive RFID strap.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the antenna on the target surface includes forming the antenna.