Closure Assembly Authentication via Paired RFID Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication methods for container closures are inadequate in ensuring the integrity and authenticity of premium beverages, as they can be easily counterfeited, require specific devices for verification, and do not provide consumers with direct access to information about the contents.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly with integrated RFID tags and a storage unit that stores unique identifiers of the cap and stopper pair, allowing for local authentication without external communication, and a mechanism to destroy the tags upon opening, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags are inserted in the neck of the bottle to protect against counterfeiting, then authentication security is improved, but the device complexity increases and specific readers are required for verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visible and invisible codes as simplified copies of complex RFID authentication. The visible code can be read by any smartphone camera, while the invisible code (UV fluorescent or NFC) provides additional verification layers. This copying approach maintains security while dramatically reducing device complexity and making verification accessible to consumers without specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is segmented into multiple independent verification methods: visible code for basic verification, UV fluorescent code for enhanced security, and NFC tag for contactless authentication. This segmentation allows consumers to use different verification methods based on their needs and available tools, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high security.
2Reliability
If invisible signs such as drawings revealed by ultraviolet light are used in the cap, then authentication capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates as the solution can be easily copied by counterfeiters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple authentication elements into a single cap structure: visible code printed on the cap, UV fluorescent code embedded in the cap material or label, and NFC tag integrated into the cap assembly. This combination creates a multi-layered authentication system where counterfeiters would need to replicate all elements simultaneously, dramatically increasing the difficulty of counterfeiting while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated production processes.
3Reliability
If tamper-evident wire caps are used to guarantee contents before first use, then authentication reliability is improved, but the solution becomes unsightly and leaves no visible signs after malevolent release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing and light-reactive elements in the cap design. The cap includes UV fluorescent codes that glow under ultraviolet light, creating visible authentication markers without permanent physical alterations. The cap may also include color-coded bands or patterns that change appearance under different lighting conditions, providing aesthetic appeal while maintaining authentication reliability and leaving visible verification marks after opening.
4Reliability
If RFID tags are destroyed upon opening to prevent counterfeiting, then authentication security is improved, but loss of information occurs as the tag cannot be reused for verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary authentication actions before the tag is destroyed. Multiple verification opportunities are provided: visible code verification at any time, UV fluorescent verification before opening, and NFC verification during the opening process. The RFID tag is destroyed only after all necessary authentication information has been captured and verified, ensuring no loss of authentication capability while maintaining security.
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
This solution provides a simple, economical, and effective means for consumers to verify the authenticity of the closure assembly and contents without needing a communication network, while preventing counterfeiting by ensuring the tags cannot be reused.
Implementation Method 1
said cap comprising a first radio frequency identification tag comprising a unique identifier of said cap and a second radio frequency identification tag comprising a unique identifier of said cap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for authentication of a closure assembly of a container, comprising a closure (12, 13) blocking an opening (11) of said container and an over-packaging (17) covering at least said closure (12, 13). According to the invention, said over-packaging (17), comprising a first radiofrequency identification tag (18) having a unique identifier of said over-packaging (17), is produced by the following steps: - reading the unique identifier of said over-packaging (17), - said closure (12, 13) comprising a second radiofrequency identification tag comprising a unique identifier of said closure (12, 13) and a storage unit comprising at least data relating to an over-packaging/closure pair comprising the unique identifiers of a closure (12, 13) and of an over-packaging (17) associated with said closure (12, 13), reading the unique identifier of said closure (12, 13) and comparing the identifiers of said over-packaging (17) and of said closure (12, 13) read in this way with the data relating to said over-packaging/closure pair of said assembly, in order to verify that the over-packaging/closure pair undergoing authentication correctly coincides with the over-packaging/closure pair defined in said data assembly, - sending a communication signal corresponding to the result of said verification, said closure assembly (12, 13) comprising means (19) for destroying at least one of the two identification tags after the first opening of said container.