Non-destructive Container Sealing via Piezoelectric Opening Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for protecting high-end wines and spirits from counterfeiting and refilling involve destructive methods that compromise the RFID label, preventing subsequent authentication and degrading the sealing mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A non-destructive sealing device with a piezoelectrical component or LC circuit that detects the first opening of a container by generating an electrical signal during relative movement of its parts, allowing for secure tracking of openings and closings without compromising the integrity of the stopper or RFID functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical deactivation mechanism (punch) is used to damage the RFID label during first opening, then the authenticity detection capability is improved, but the RFID label cannot be subsequently read and the sealing mechanism is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthenticity detection capabilityVSAvoidRFID label readability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical punch system with an electrical detection system. Instead of physically damaging the RFID label with a mechanical punch, the invention uses electrical components (capacitor plates and coil) that detect the first opening through electrical signal changes. This substitution eliminates the destructive mechanical action while maintaining the authenticity detection capability, allowing the RFID label to remain readable for future authentication purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary electrical detection mechanism between the opening action and the RFID label. The capacitor plates and coil act as intermediaries that sense the opening event through electrical field changes without directly contacting or damaging the RFID label. This intermediary system enables authenticity detection while preserving the RFID label's integrity and readability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the RFID label is mechanically damaged to detect first opening, then the safeguarding function is improved, but the stopper quality and sealing mechanism are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafeguarding functionVSAvoidstopper quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical punch system that physically stressed and damaged the stopper with an electrical detection system. The capacitor plates and coil detect opening events through electrical field changes without mechanical contact with the stopper body, thereby maintaining stopper quality and sealing mechanism integrity while providing robust safeguarding functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a destructive mechanism is used to prevent refilling, then the authentication security is improved, but the ability to subsequently authenticate is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidsubsequent authentication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces destructive mechanical deactivation with non-destructive electrical detection. The electrical components detect the first opening event and trigger authentication security measures without physically damaging the RFID label, thereby maintaining both authentication security and the capability for subsequent authentication through RFID reading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 secure detection of the first opening and tracking of openings and closings without degrading the sealing mechanism or RFID functionality, ensuring authenticity and preventing refilling while maintaining the quality of the stopper.

Implementation Method 1

the piezoelectrical component is integrated in one of the two parts, designed to be mechanically deformed by the other part, especially by an excitation element integrated in the other part, during the relative movement of the two parts, so as to generate an electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the electrical component is a piezoelectrical component or a LC circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLC circuit resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11286092B2Safeguarding device designed to secure a container

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 DIAM BOUCHAGE SAS

AI summary

The bottle has a neck sealed by a stopper. The safeguarding device (2) comprises a first and a second part (20, 21), the first part (20) being adapted to be integrated in the stopper (1) and the two parts (20, 21) being joined in translation while allowing a limited relative movement of one part with respect to the other when a traction force is applied to the safeguarding device (2) in order to remove said stopper (1) from the neck. According to the invention, the safeguarding device comprises an electrical component (212) disposed so that at least one electrical characteristic of said component is modified during the relative movement of the two parts (20, 21).