Coil-Based Continuity Sensor for Repeated Packaging State Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product security and authentication technologies face challenges in reliably detecting the open or closed state of product packaging, particularly in multi-use scenarios, as they often require a physical connection that can be compromised or require multiple detections, which is not irreversible and can be prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with multiple coils that induce positive feedback to determine the state of a container or product packaging by changing the coupling between coils when the packaging is opened or closed, allowing for repeated state detection without the need to tear or break a wire, using a bistable device with oscillation detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wire is torn or twisted off to detect opening, then product security is improved, but the detection can only occur once and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-tearing system with an electromagnetic field-based detection system using coils and a bistable device. This substitution allows for non-contact, repeated detection of container states without physical damage to the detection mechanism, thereby improving both reliability and adaptability for multiple detections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position of the movable part (affecting coil coupling) provides information about the container state to the bistable device, which then outputs a detectable signal. This feedback loop enables repeated detection of open/closed states without consuming the detection mechanism, resolving the contradiction between single-use mechanical detection and repeated detection capability.
2Reliability
If physical connection is used for detection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to connection compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical connections with electromagnetic field interactions between coils. This eliminates the vulnerability of physical wire connections to tampering or failure while maintaining detection functionality. The increased device complexity in terms of coil and circuit structure is offset by the significant improvement in detection integrity and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detections are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but error probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a bistable device that provides clear, discrete output states corresponding to the container's open/closed conditions. This feedback mechanism reduces error probability by providing unambiguous detection results even when multiple detections are performed, allowing the system to maintain high adaptability for monitoring multiple container states while preserving detection accuracy through the stability of the bistable output.
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
Enables reliable and repeated detection of the continuity state of product packaging, enhancing product security and authentication by avoiding physical connection failures and allowing for multiple use without compromising the integrity of the detection mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
multiple antennas that are brought in proximity to induce positive feedback, resulting in oscillation or a change in state of a bistable device
Implementation Method 2
The first and second coils have a first coupling when the article, container or product packaging is closed or sealed, and a second, different coupling when the article, container or product packaging is open or unsealed
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 2A'~2B'
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An electronic device including a continuity sensor and electrical circuitry configured to detect and report the continuity state of an article, container or product packaging is disclosed. The continuity sensor includes a first substrate with first and second coils thereon, and a second substrate with a third coil thereon. The first coil has an integrated circuit electrically connected thereto. The first substrate is part of, or is attached or secured to a part of the article, container or packaging. The second substrate is another part of, or is attached or secured to another part of the article, container or packaging. One of the article, container or packaging parts is (re)movable with respect to the other part. The first and second coils have one coupling when the article, container or packaging is closed or sealed, and a different coupling when the article, container or packaging is open or unsealed.