Package Disconnection Detection Using Cut-Wire Wireless Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in reliably sensing the opening of individually separated receiving cavities in packages, such as blister packs, due to wire disconnection issues and high costs, leading to decreased reliability and increased costs, especially when handling packages containing pharmaceuticals.

Innovation Solution

A package design with a conducting wire and wireless communication device on a substrate that transmits distinct signals before and after the wire is cut, allowing reliable detection of cavity item removal and package opening, even when separated into individual cavities, while reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wires are attached separately to each receiving cavity for sensing opening, then opening detection capability is improved, but wire disconnection risk increases due to thinner wires and more connection points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening detection capabilityVSAvoidwire connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The package is divided into multiple separable receiving cavities, each with its own wireless communication device for independent opening detection. This segmentation allows each cavity to be monitored individually while using robust wireless technology instead of fragile thin wires.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical wire-based detection system is replaced with a wireless communication system. Instead of using physical wires that connect to sensing points, each receiving cavity incorporates a wireless communication device that transmits signals independently, eliminating the mechanical connection reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a larger number of wires are used in packages with more receiving cavities, then opening detection coverage is improved, but wire thickness must be reduced and disconnection probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening detection coverageVSAvoidwire disconnection resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The package system is segmented into multiple independent units, with each receiving cavity having its own wireless communication device. This eliminates the need for extensive wire networks while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage across all cavities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extensive mechanical wire infrastructure is replaced with wireless communication devices distributed across each receiving cavity. This substitution eliminates wire thickness limitations and disconnection risks while achieving complete detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If wireless communication devices are attached to each receiving cavity for individual sensing, then opening detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual cavity opening detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The package is segmented into multiple receiving cavities, each equipped with a wireless communication device for individual opening detection. This segmentation enables precise tracking of each cavity while maintaining cost-effectiveness through standardized modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication device replaces complex wire-based sensing mechanisms, simplifying the overall system architecture. Although individual devices are used in each cavity, the elimination of extensive wiring infrastructure and the use of integrated wireless modules actually reduce overall manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If packages are separated into individual receiving cavities for easy carrying, then portability is improved, but connection between wireless communication device and sensing wires is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidopening sensing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The package is designed as a collection of separable receiving cavities, each with its own wireless communication device. This segmentation allows the cavities to be easily separated and carried independently while maintaining full sensing functionality in each unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical wire connection system is replaced with self-contained wireless communication devices in each receiving cavity. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connections between cavities and the central sensing system, enabling easy separation and portability while preserving detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4195099B1Disconnection detection device
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 TORAY INDUSTRIES INC
  • EP4195099B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4195099B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4195099B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A package in an aspect of the present invention includes: a package body having a receiving cavity for receiving a cavity item; a sheet for sealing the receiving cavity; a conducting wire formed on the sheet so as to pass above the sealed opening portion of the receiving cavity; and a wireless communication device formed on the sheet so as to be connected to the conducting wire. The wireless communication device transmits a signal including information which differs between before and after the conducting wire together with the sheet is cut as a result of opening the receiving cavity. The information transmitted from the wireless communication device is read by a reader. The package and the reader are used for a cavity item management system.