Pharmaceutical Package Electronic Tag with Optical Integrity Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method and apparatus to efficiently monitor the integrity of pharmaceutical or perishable products, especially at the time of use, without requiring additional equipment or tools, and to minimize the risk of fraud or malpractice.
Innovation Solution
An electronic tag integrated into a retail package, comprising a main part with an electronics unit, a rip strip with a breakable electrical connection, a control unit, sensors for monitoring environmental conditions, a display for showing integrity status, and a switch, allowing users to check the product's integrity by breaking the electrical connection when opening the package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID tags with wireless transmission are used to monitor product integrity, then measurement data can be transmitted remotely, but additional reading equipment is required which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical communication system between the RFID tag and the user. Instead of direct wireless transmission requiring RFID readers, the tag converts data to optical signals (light flashes) that can be read by any optical detector, including simple cameras or even visual observation. This intermediary conversion layer eliminates the need for specialized reading equipment while preserving data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/wireless communication interface (RFID requiring electronic readers) with an optical communication interface. The RFID tag reads sensor data and transmits it optically through light emission (LED flashes or display screen), substituting the electronic field-based communication with optical field-based communication that can be detected by simpler means.
2Measurement precision
If complex monitoring systems with multiple sensors are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but the cost and complexity of the package increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RFID tag multi-functional by combining it with optical communication capabilities and sensor integration. The single RFID tag performs multiple functions: reading sensor data, processing integrity information, storing data, and transmitting it optically. This consolidates what would otherwise require separate components into one universal device, maintaining precision while reducing overall package complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the RFID tag functionality with optical communication and sensor monitoring into a single integrated unit. Instead of having separate RFID tags, sensors, and communication devices, all these elements are combined within the RFID tag structure, creating a compact multi-functional monitoring system that reduces package complexity.
3Ease of operation
If visual displays are added to show integrity status, then ease of operation improves, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or on-demand display activation rather than continuous operation. The visual display (LED flashes or screen) is activated only when needed to transmit integrity data, controlled by the RFID tag's processor based on trigger events such as package opening detection or user request. This periodic activation dramatically reduces energy consumption compared to continuous display operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting package opening through the broken strip mechanism and triggering the optical transmission and display activation without user intervention. The RFID tag autonomously determines when integrity data should be displayed and initiates the optical communication sequence, eliminating the need for users to manually activate power-consuming display components.
4Reliability
If a broken strip mechanism is used to detect package opening, then reliability of integrity detection improves, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the broken strip detection mechanism during the preliminary packaging process. The strip is pre-attached to the package structure in a way that it will naturally break when the package is opened for the first time. This preliminary setup ensures reliable detection of package opening events without requiring complex assembly steps, as the strip integration can be done during standard packaging operations.
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
This solution enables users, such as patients or healthcare specialists, to easily and cost-effectively verify the integrity of pharmaceutical products at the time of use, ensuring product safety and minimizing fraud, all while being compatible with existing packaging and distribution schemes.
Implementation Method 1
The tag (1) comprises a light emitter (7, 8) structured and configured for emitting light pulses, and wherein said data is encoded in a sequence of light pulses emitted by said light emitter (7, 8)
Data Source
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Figure 12~16
AI summary
The retail package for a perishable product comprises a box as an outer package; and an electronic tag for obtaining information relating to the integrity of the product as assessed from an exposure of said product to physical or environmental conditions during a time span. The tag comprises a main part comprising an electronics unit and optionally a rip strip comprising a breakable electrical connection operationally connected to said electronics unit. The electronics unit comprises a control unit; a sensor unit comprising at least one sensor for monitoring said physical or environmental conditions; a display unit comprising a display for displaying data relating to said integrity referred to as status data; and a switch. The control unit is structured and configured for effecting that said display unit displays said status data in reaction to an operation of said display switch; and wherein one or both of: — said display unit comprises one or more light emitters for emitting light pulses, and wherein said data is encoded in a sequence of light pulses emitted by said one or more light emitters; — said display unit is structured and configured for displaying said status data by flashing, said status data being encoded in said flashing.