Embedded RFID Tag in Container Top Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional identifying marks on enclosures, such as barcodes, are prone to damage and mislabeling due to exposure to the environment, leading to ineffective identification and tracking of contents.
Innovation Solution
A container top assembly with a cap and liner embedding a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, which is protected from environmental damage and allows for customizable data tracking through a dynamic product management portal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barcodes or identifying marks are placed on enclosures, then identification and tracking of contents is enabled, but the identifying marks are vulnerable to environmental damage such as peeling, smudging, and tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is embedded within the enclosure structure itself (nested inside), rather than being applied to the surface. This nesting protects the identifying mechanism from environmental factors while maintaining its functionality for tracking and identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical identifying marks (barcodes that can peel or smear) with an electronic RFID system that uses electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the physical vulnerabilities of traditional labels while maintaining identification capabilities.
2Reliability
If identifying marks are placed on enclosures, then tracking is enabled, but human error in removal, change, or replacement can lead to mislabeling
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is integrated into the enclosure during manufacturing, making it a permanent, self-contained identifying element. This eliminates the need for manual application or modification of identifying marks, thereby preventing human error in label placement or replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
By nesting the RFID tag within the enclosure structure, the system becomes tamper-resistant and eliminates the need for human intervention in changing or replacing identifying marks, thus preventing mislabeling errors.
3Reliability
If RFID tags are embedded within the container top assembly, then resistance to environmental damage is improved, but the complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is merged with the container top assembly during manufacturing, combining the identifying function with the structural component. This integration approach protects the RFID tag while avoiding the need for separate protective housings or additional assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The container top assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural closure, sealing, and integrated identification through the embedded RFID tag. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
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
The embedded RFID tag ensures robust and scalable tracking of container contents, resistant to environmental exposure, and provides a customizable data management system adaptable to individual customer needs, enhancing data integrity and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedded at least partially within the container top assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Container top assemblies and methods of fabrication thereof are provided. Product management and tracking of data for customizable data points is further provided. A container top assembly can include a cap comprising a central hole and a plurality of openings, a liner, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedded at least partially within the container top assembly.