Beverage Keg Fitting Seal With RFID Data Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage kegs made of opaque metallic material lack a reliable and rewritable means to store and retrieve information about their contents and history, limiting the ability to track and manage keg usage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fitting assembly for beverage kegs incorporating an electronic data carrier, such as an RFID or NFC tag, embedded in the seal or cover, which is energy-free and protected by code protection, allowing rewritable storage of keg information, including age, filling history, and beverage details, readable via smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If external markings such as stickers or labels are used on the keg, then information about the keg contents and history can be displayed, but the markings are not durable and can be lost during cleaning and reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The data carrier is integrated into the seal assembly, which is itself integrated into the fitting. The seal contains a cavity that houses the data carrier, protecting it while allowing wireless communication. This nested structure ensures the data carrier remains with the keg throughout cleaning and reuse cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical external markings (stickers, labels) with an electronic data storage system. Information is stored electronically on a data carrier and accessed wirelessly via RFID or NFC technology, eliminating the need for physical surface markings that can be damaged or removed.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the keg body is made of opaque metallic material for durability and reusability, then the keg can withstand cleaning and reuse, but information about keg contents cannot be visually inspected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection methods with electronic data storage and wireless communication. Instead of trying to see through the opaque metal or attach visible markings, the system uses an electronic data carrier that stores information about keg contents and can be read remotely via RFID or NFC readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The data carrier acts as an intermediary between the keg contents and the information system. It stores data about the beverage type, filling date, and other relevant information, allowing indirect access to keg contents information without requiring visual inspection or opening the keg.
3Reliability
If a data carrier is integrated into the seal or cover, then information can be stored in a fixed and durable manner, but the data carrier must be protected from beverage contact and cleaning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The data carrier is nested within the seal assembly, which provides physical protection. The seal contains a cavity that houses the data carrier, and the seal material itself protects it from direct contact with beverages and cleaning agents while still allowing wireless communication signals to pass through.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly acts as an intermediary protective layer between the data carrier and the harsh environment of beverages and cleaning processes. It shields the electronic components while maintaining the functionality of wireless data access.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting assembly for a beverage keg, the fitting assembly including a fitting housing having a resilient riser pipe that is located therein and is movable relative thereto; and a seal, wherein an electronic data carrier is located on or in the seal and/or in a cover for the seal.