Embedded RFID Flange for Medical Container Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking and identifying medical containers, such as injection devices, face issues with printed codes being removable or damaged, laser marking causing material damage, and RFID tags requiring direct visual access, which disrupt visual inspection and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A plastic flange with a remotely readable electronic component, such as an RFID tag, embedded within the flange, allowing traceability from manufacturing to disposal without affecting visual inspection and providing secure, remote identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If printed unique identifier codes are used on the external side of the receptacle, then individual identification is enabled, but the codes may be removed or damaged during handling or use
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic component is embedded within the flange structure, nesting the identification system inside the container rather than placing it on the external surface. This protects the identifier from damage or removal while maintaining individual identification capability throughout the product lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The flange acts as an intermediary structure that houses the electronic component, separating the identification function from the external surface of the receptacle. This intermediary placement shields the identifier from harmful external factors while enabling remote reading
2Reliability
If laser marking is used on the glass tube, then individual identification is enabled, but the glass material may be damaged and the manufacturing process becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser marking process with an embedded electronic component system. This substitution eliminates the harmful thermal and mechanical effects of laser marking on glass while providing more reliable identification through electronic storage and remote reading capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The flange serves as an intermediary that carries the electronic identification component, transferring the identification function away from the glass tube itself. This prevents direct interaction between the identification process and the glass material, avoiding damage
3Reliability
If laser marking is used on the glass tube, then individual identification is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic component is integrated into the flange manufacturing process itself, merging the identification system with the existing container structure. This eliminates separate laser marking steps and reduces overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining identification reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard electronic component manufacturing processes that can be mass-produced at lower cost compared to custom laser marking for each container. The embedded approach allows for more economical production scaling
4Reliability
If RFID tag is placed on the cap of the bottle, then individual identification is enabled, but the tag may be removed and the cap structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic component is merged with the flange structure, combining the identification function with the existing cap-like component. This integration avoids adding separate RFID tags and maintains simpler overall structure while ensuring the identifier cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic component is nested within the flange, placing the identification system inside the existing structure rather than attaching it externally. This nesting approach maintains structural simplicity while preventing removal of the identifier
5Reliability
If printed codes or laser marks are used on the external surface, then individual identification is enabled, but the visual inspection process is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The flange serves as an intermediary that houses the electronic component, moving the identification function away from the external surface. This placement allows visual inspection of the container exterior to proceed without interference from identification markers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces visual identification methods (printed codes, laser marks) with an electronic remote reading system. This substitution eliminates visual interference on the container surface while enabling identification through electronic means that do not impact visual inspection
Data Source
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AI summary
A plastic flange (1) for a medical container (2), said plastic flange (1) defining an opening (11), said opening (11) being surrounded by a peripheral collar (10), said collar (10) providing a support to a user's fingers, wherein the flange (1) comprises connecting means for connecting said flange (1) to an external surface (24) of a tubular barrel (20) of the medical container (2), and wherein the flange (1) further comprises a remotely readable electronic component (3) for remote identification of the medical container (2), said remotely readable electronic component (3) being embedded into the plastic flange (1).