Closure Element Capacitance Anti-Tampering Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure elements for containers, particularly for high-value beverages, are complex to manufacture and assemble, and their anti-tampering mechanisms require precise mechanical breaks, leading to reliability issues and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A closure element utilizing at least two capacitor plates attached to the inner and outer cap members, which change capacitance configurations upon relative movement, allowing easy detection of the closure state without the need for additional detection elements on the container neck, using an RFID tag for anti-tampering verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical break (cutting means) is used to interrupt the antenna or control loop for anti-tampering, then the anti-tampering function is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting means with an RFID tag that uses electromagnetic fields to detect closure state. The RFID tag communicates the opened/closed state through its antenna's electrical characteristics without requiring physical breaking, thus eliminating precision requirements for mechanical cutting tools while maintaining anti-tampering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical interruption to electrical characteristic changes. The RFID tag's antenna exhibits different electrical properties (impedance, resonance frequency) in opened vs. closed states, allowing detection through electromagnetic fields rather than mechanical breaking, thereby improving reliability and eliminating precision manufacturing constraints.
2Reliability
If a control loop is interrupted to change chip state for detection, then the anti-tampering function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RFID tag serve multiple functions: it acts as both the anti-tampering detection element and the communication interface. The same RFID tag that stores identification data also contains the closure state information through its antenna's electrical characteristics, eliminating the need for separate control loops and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag automatically detects and communicates the closure state through its inherent antenna properties without requiring external control circuits or additional sensors. The system uses the RFID tag's own electrical characteristics to indicate tampering status, making the detection mechanism self-contained and simpler than conventional solutions.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If detection elements are attached to the container neck for closure state detection, then the detection function is achieved, but the ease of assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function with the closure element itself. The RFID tag integrated into the closure element communicates closure state information directly through its antenna, eliminating the need for separate detection elements on the container neck. This integration simplifies assembly as only the closure element needs to be attached to the container, not additional sensors or detectors.
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
Simplifies manufacturing and assembly, enhances reliability, and allows for easy detection of the closure state, providing a more robust and cost-effective anti-tampering solution.
Implementation Method 1
at least two capacitor plates attached to the inner and outer cap members, which change capacitance configurations upon relative movement
Implementation Method 2
If, in the unopened state, the chip is interrogated by bringing a reading device (for example in a mobile phone) close to the antenna, the transponder in the RFID tag communicates its unopened state
Data Source
AI summary
A closure element for closing a container comprises an inner cap member coupled with a mouth of the container, an outer cap member movably coupled to the inner cap member, and a transponder having a chip and an antenna housed between the inner and outer cap members. The closure element further comprises two first capacitor plates connected with the chip, which are attached to one of a top wall of the inner cap member and a top wall of the outer cap member, and a second capacitor plate attached to the other of the top wall of the inner cap member and the top wall of the outer cap member, such that a relative movement of the outer cap member and the inner cap member switches the closure element between a first configuration and a second configuration having a different capacitance between the first and second capacitor plates.