FRAM RFID Tag Data Integrity After Gamma Sterilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID systems are unable to authenticate and prevent illegal manufacturing and unauthorized operation of gamma sterilizable disposable bioprocess components.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency identification (RFID) system with a gamma radiation-resistant memory chip, utilizing error correction methods like Reed-Solomon, Hamming, and BCH codes, and ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) to ensure data integrity and authenticity of disposable bioprocess components, integrated into disposable bioprocess containers to prevent unauthorized use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional RFID tags are used for identifying bioprocess components, then identification functionality is achieved, but the tags cannot maintain data integrity after gamma sterilization and cannot prevent unauthorized operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrity after gamma sterilizationVSAvoidRFID system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-writing redundant data and error correction codes into the RFID tag memory before sterilization. This allows the system to detect and correct any data corruption that occurs during gamma sterilization, ensuring data integrity without requiring complex post-sterilization verification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by storing multiple copies of critical authentication data and implementing error correction codes in advance. This creates a buffer against data loss during sterilization, allowing the system to withstand the harsh gamma radiation environment while maintaining reliable authentication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If RFID tags store authentication data for preventing unauthorized use, then security is improved, but the tags become vulnerable to data corruption during gamma sterilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidgamma radiation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the memory structure to include redundant data fields and error correction code fields. This structural change allows the authentication data to be protected against gamma radiation-induced corruption through mathematical verification and recovery mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite data storage structure combining authentication data, redundant copies of authentication data, and error correction codes. This composite approach creates a resilient authentication system that can withstand gamma sterilization while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If error correction codes are implemented in the RFID tag, then data integrity is maintained after sterilization, but the tag memory requirements and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidtag manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing error correction codes during the tag manufacturing process. This allows standard manufacturing equipment to be used without requiring complex post-manufacturing programming, making the error correction capability achievable through routine manufacturing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system effectively authenticates and prevents illegal use of disposable bioprocess components by maintaining data integrity even after gamma sterilization, reducing the risk of counterfeit components being used.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing error correction methods like Reed-Solomon, Hamming, and BCH codes, and ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) to ensure data integrity and authenticity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerroelectric effect:

Implementation Method 2

utilizing error correction methods like Reed-Solomon, Hamming, and BCH codes, and ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) to ensure data integrity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectError correction coding:

Implementation Method 3

prevent illegal manufacturing and unauthorized operation of gamma sterilizable disposable bioprocess components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGamma irradiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2257890B1A gamma sterilizable RFID system that prevents unauthorized operation of associated disposable bioprocess components

Publication Date: 2019.12.11 GLOBAL LIFE SCIENCES SOLUTIONS USA LLC

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AI summary

This invention provides a system and apparatus that is able to authenticate and prevent illegal manufacturing and unauthorized operation of disposable bioprocess components. This invention utilizes a ferro-electric random access memory (FRAM) chip to store error-correctable information on a RFID tag attached to the disposable bioprocess components, where the error-correctable information is written into the memory chip, so that the information can remain in the chip when the RFID tag and disposable bioprocess component is gamma-sterilized. Also, this invention includes a method for authenticating the disposable bioprocess component that reduces liability in that a counterfeit poor quality disposable component is not used on the hardware so the user will not file an unjustified complaint.