Serialization Aggregation System for Medical Product Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical product packaging lines are not configured to support serialization and track-and-trace requirements, leading to concerns about product counterfeiting and diversion, and manufacturers are reluctant to upgrade due to cost impacts.
Innovation Solution
A serialization and aggregation system that integrates with existing manual packaging lines, featuring a conveyor, imaging system, diverter, and adjustable components to authenticate and aggregate products of various shapes and sizes, allowing for easy integration with existing systems and increased throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manufacturers upgrade packaging lines to support serialization and track-and-trace requirements, then authentication and tracking capabilities are improved, but cost impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to read multiple types of codes (barcodes, QR codes, RFID tags) using a single device, making it universally applicable to different product types and packaging levels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby lowering the overall cost impact while maintaining reliable authentication capabilities across diverse products
Solution Approach 2:
The serialization system is divided into modular components that can be implemented at different packaging levels (unit packaging, case packaging, pallet packaging) independently. This segmentation allows manufacturers to implement serialization gradually, starting with lower-cost unit-level serialization and progressing to higher-level aggregation, thereby reducing the immediate cost impact while building reliable tracking capabilities
2Reliability
If manufacturers implement customized packaging lines for serialization, then track-and-trace requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system serves multiple functions: reading barcodes, QR codes, RFID tags, and other identification markers. This single device performs what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive track-and-trace capability across different product types and packaging levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic positioning of imaging devices that can track and focus on products moving along the conveyor belt, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning systems. The imaging system adapts its focus dynamically as products pass by, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precise reading capability
3Ease of operation
If existing manual packaging lines are used without upgrades, then ease of operation is maintained, but authentication capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system automatically reads and verifies product identification markers without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the reading process, automatically focusing on products as they pass along the conveyor belt, thereby maintaining the simplicity of manual packaging operations while adding robust automated authentication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system acts as an intermediary between the manual packaging process and the serialization requirements. It automatically captures and verifies identification information without disrupting the manual packaging workflow, allowing manufacturers to maintain ease of operation while achieving reliable authentication through automated code reading and verification
4Productivity
If serialization systems are designed for high-speed automated packaging, then productivity is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent functional modules (imaging systems, conveyance systems, aggregation systems) that can be implemented and integrated at different speeds and levels. This allows manufacturers to start with lower-speed manual operations and progressively add automation and speed, reducing the immediate integration cost while achieving high productivity goals over time
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to work with various product types and packaging levels using a single multi-functional device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized high-speed devices. This universality reduces the overall cost of high-speed automated packaging while maintaining the ability to process diverse products at high throughput
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
Enables efficient serialization and aggregation of medical products, enhancing authentication and tracking capabilities while minimizing the need for costly upgrades, supporting multi-level track-and-trace requirements and reducing the risk of counterfeiting and diversion.
Implementation Method 1
imaging system, where the items are identified and authenticated
Implementation Method 2
The imaging system may include a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, an RFID scanner, and/or the like
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, aggregated serialized goods may be loaded into the serialization/aggregation system via a conveyor, and the aggregated serialized goods may be scanned and authenticated. The aggregated serialized goods that are determined to be authentic may be diverted to at least one aggregation line, where the aggregated serialized goods may be bundled. The serialization/aggregation system may be adjustable, and may be easily converted to accept items of various shapes and sizes.