Flexible radio frequency identification label and method for fabricating the same

• US 7,385,512 B2
• Filed: 12/20/2005
• Issued: 06/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
• Original Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
• Inventors: Chen, Ya-Ping, Shih, Chin-Ming, Mai, John D. H., Hsu, Pin-Chao
• Primary Examiner(s): Bugg; George A
• Assistant Examiner(s): MEHMOOD, JENNIFER
• Application Number:
  US11/311,293
• Publication Number:
  US 20070069899A1
• Time in Patent Office: 903 Days
• Field of Search: 3405681-5729, 235/492
• US Class Current: 340/572.7
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 22/00 Producing hollow articles tubular articles B29D23/00; pneumatic tyres B29D30/00
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2305/342 Chips
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2519/02 RFID tags
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/185 Laminating sheets, panels or inserts between two discrete plastic layers
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07749 the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/22 by structural association with other equipment or articles
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2208 associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns G06K7/00; record carrier for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/38 formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support patch antennas H01Q9/0407; microstrip dipole antennas H01Q9/065; microstrip slot antennas H01Q13/106; transmission line microstrip antennas H01Q13/206; manufacturing reflecting surfaces using insulating material for supporting the reflecting surface H01Q15/142
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/103 Encasing or enveloping the configured lamina

Abstract

A flexible radio frequency identification label and a method for fabricating the same are proposed. A first flexible protection layer is attached to a second flexible protection layer to form a closed space for receiving a radio frequency identification circuit. By such arrangement, a good flexibility can be provided by the flexible protection layers, and the closed space also enables the radio frequency identification circuit to be protected and isolated from the moisture in the outside environment, such that the circuit can be prevented from being oxidized and the service life of the product can be extended.

Claims

1. A flexible radio frequency identification label, comprising:

a first flexible protection layer, a second flexible protection layer and a middle layer having at least one hollow portion and being interposed between the first and second flexible protection layers, the first, second and middle layers being attached to each other such that the hollow portion forms a closed space between the first flexible protection layer and the second flexible protection layer;

a radio frequency identification circuit received in the closed space; and

a miniaturized antenna disposed between, and covered completely by, the first flexible protection layer and middle layer and being electrically connected to the radio frequency identification circuit.

2. The flexible radio frequency identification label of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification circuit is a printed circuit structure formed on a surface of the closed space.

3. The flexible radio frequency identification label of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification circuit is a chip formed on a surface of the closed space.

4. The flexible radio frequency identification label of claim 1, wherein the miniaturized antenna is a printed circuit structure formed on an attaching surface of the first flexible protection layer.

5. The flexible radio frequency identification label of claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit for electrically connecting the radio frequency identification circuit to the miniaturized antenna.

6. The flexible radio frequency identification label of claim 1, wherein the first and second flexible protection layers are flexible substrates having dielectricity.

11. The flexible radio frequency identification label of claim 1, wherein the hollow portion extends entirely through the middle layer, so that the first flexible protection layer and second flexible protection layer define a respective top and bottom of the closed space, and the middle portion defines a side of the closed space.

7. A method for fabricating a flexible radio frequency identification label, comprising the steps of:

providing a first flexible protection layer, a second flexible protection layer, and a middle layer having at least one hollow portion on a surface thereof;

forming a radio frequency identification circuit and a miniaturized antenna on a surface of the first flexible protection layer, wherein the radio frequency identification circuit and the miniaturized antenna are electrically connected to each other;

applying the middle layer over the first flexible protection layer, such that the radio frequency identification circuit is located in the hollow portion;

applying the second flexible protection layer over the middle layer; and

attaching the first flexible protection layers the second flexible protection layer and the middle layer to each other, such that a closed space is formed by the hollow portion for receiving the radio frequency identification circuit.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the radio frequency identification circuit and the miniaturized antenna are formed on the surface of the first flexible protection layer by spray printing.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the first flexible protection layer, the second flexible protection layer and the middle layer are attached to each other by thermal pressing and curing.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the middle layer is provided with a plurality of hollow portions arranged at intervals on the surface thereof.