Ingestible RFID Capsule Using Nanoparticle Ink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID technologies lack reliability and efficiency in identifying users, particularly in applications where the RFID tags need to be ingested or surgically inserted, and they often require surgical insertion, which can be invasive and impractical for certain use cases such as battlefield identification or tracking of pets or livestock.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ingestible or surgically insertable RFID capsule made from nanoparticle materials, featuring a substrate layer, an RFID layer with a radio frequency identification tag formed from nanoparticle ink, and a protective layer, produced using a 3D printer, which allows for efficient production and use in identifying users without the need for surgical insertion, and can be designed to remain in the digestive system until a specific substance is ingested to facilitate passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional RFID tags are used for user identification, then identification function is provided, but they require surgical insertion which is invasive and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the RFID tag by reducing its size to capsule dimensions and modifying its material composition to include biocompatible materials, enabling it to be swallowed rather than surgically inserted while maintaining identification functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials combining biocompatible polymers with RFID circuitry and magnetic materials, creating a capsule that is both ingestible and detectable, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and identification reliability
2Ease of operation
If RFID tags are made small enough to be ingested, then non-invasive insertion is achieved, but manufacturing precision and reliability become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the properties of different regions within the capsule - the outer shell uses biocompatible materials for safety, while internal components use conductive and magnetic materials for RFID functionality, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific purpose
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the capsule into distinct functional layers including an outer biocompatible shell, RFID circuit layer, and magnetic material layer, enabling independent manufacturing and quality control of each component before assembly
3Reliability
If existing RFID technologies are used, then identification is provided, but they lack tamper-proof security and controlled release capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a magnetic actuator and mechanism designed to remain dormant until activated by an external magnetic field, providing preliminary preparation for controlled release or tamper-evident activation without requiring complex active systems to be constantly monitored
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 RFID capsule provides reliable and efficient user identification, offering tamper-proof and non-invasive options for various applications, including battlefield identification and tracking of animals, by utilizing a 3D printing process to create a durable and protective structure that can remain in the digestive system until intentionally removed.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID capsule may be produced and/or manufactured by a three-dimensional (3D) printer
Implementation Method 2
Radio frequency identification is a wireless use of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields for transferring data and/or information
Data Source
AI summary
An example radio frequency identification capsule is disclosed herein. An example radio frequency identification capsule includes a substrate layer; a radio frequency identification layer on the substrate layer, the radio frequency identification layer including a radio frequency identification tag formed from nanoparticle ink; and a protective layer surrounding the radio frequency identification layer.