Pharmaceutical Vessel Cap With 3D RFID Labeling Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pharmaceutical containers face a challenge in providing sufficient labeling space due to their limited surface area, especially around the closure, which restricts the application of labels and electronic markers like RFID transponders.

Innovation Solution

A marking set comprising a three-dimensional vessel attachment and an RFID transponder is used to extend the labeling area by engaging with the container's closure, allowing for a larger surface area for labels and transponders to be applied without overlap or damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a label is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the container, then the container can be identified, but the labeling area is limited due to the small surface area of the container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling areaVSAvoidcontainer size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by transitioning from two-dimensional surface labeling to three-dimensional spatial utilization. The attachment element protrudes from the container surface, creating additional labeling area in the axial direction (height dimension) rather than only on the circumferential surface. This allows labels to be applied both on the container body and on the attachment element, effectively increasing the total labeling area without increasing the container's base dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If multi-layer labels or booklet labels are used to accommodate sufficient information, then the labeling area is increased, but the handling and processing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling areaVSAvoidhandling and processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing labeling area through multi-layer labels (which complicates handling), the patent uses a three-dimensional attachment element that protrudes from the container surface. This allows a single-layer label to wrap around the container and extend onto the attachment element, providing sufficient labeling area while maintaining the simplicity of single-layer label handling and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the label surface is extended around the closure, then the labeling area is increased, but the label may overlap or damage the closure structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling areaVSAvoidclosure integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the labeling system into two distinct parts: the container body and the attachment element. The label is designed to wrap around the container body and terminate at the attachment element, with the attachment element providing additional labeling surface. This segmentation prevents the label from overlapping or damaging the closure structure, as the attachment element acts as a separate platform for labeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment element protrudes from the container surface in the axial direction, creating a three-dimensional labeling platform. This allows the label to be applied on the container body and continue onto the attachment element without requiring the label to overlap the closure structure, thereby maintaining closure integrity while increasing labeling area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3948668B1Identification kit for identifying a pharmaceutical vessel, and pharmaceutical packaging unit
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 SCHREINER GRP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3948668B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3948668B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3948668B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

An identification kit (1) for identifying a pharmaceutical vessel comprising a vessel body with a circumferential surface and a removable vessel closure is proposed, wherein the identification kit (1) comprises at least the following: - a vessel cap (10) in the form of a three-dimensional moulded part (100), - a label for sticking to the outer circumference of a pharmaceutical vessel needing to be identified, and - an RFID transponder for electronically identifying a pharmaceutical vessel and/or the content thereof, - wherein the vessel cap (10) is installable and/or positionable in a predefined relative position on the vessel and has a circumferential wall (12) with an exterior circumferential surface (10a), which is intended as an additional labellable and/or electronically identifiable outer wall and/or outer surface and the radius, outer circumference and/or wall profile of which is chosen in accordance with the radius, outer circumference and/or wall profile of the circumferential surface of a vessel needing to be identified, and - wherein the label and/or the RFID transponder is/are intended and configured to be stuck over and/or to cover at least regions of both a circumferential surface (30a), formed in accordance with the outer circumference, of the vessel body (30) and the circumferential surface (10a) of the vessel cap (10) and/or to secure the vessel cap (10) on the pharmaceutical vessel (30).