RFID Microchip Cartridge for Drug Delivery Assembly Data Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drug delivery devices face challenges in efficient data management and logistics during assembly, leading to increased complexity and costs due to the need for individual labeling and tracing of millions of medicament containers, which complicates the assembly line process and quality control.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a microprocessor and wireless communication member, such as RFID technology, within device components like cartridges to provide device-specific data for automated assembly line control, allowing for efficient data storage and retrieval, and enabling the device to instruct assembly stages and validate assembly conditions, thus simplifying the assembly and quality control processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual labeling and tracing of millions of medicament containers is implemented, then retraceability and quality control are improved, but device complexity and data handling complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveretraceabilityVSAvoiddata handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (data storage, wireless communication, and device operation control) into a single microchip integrated into the cartridge. This merging eliminates the need for separate labeling systems and manual data handling processes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining retraceability through the unified microchip that stores charge identification data and communicates it wirelessly during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical labeling and manual tracing systems with wireless communication technology. The microchip uses wireless interfaces to transmit device-related data to the assembly line's control system, eliminating the need for physical labels, barcodes, or manual data entry, thereby reducing data handling complexity while improving retraceability.

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

2Productivity

If microprocessor and communication member are integrated into device component, then assembly automation and data management efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microchip performs multiple functions: storing charge identification data, enabling wireless communication with the assembly line, and controlling device operations. This multi-functionality means that while the microchip itself is complex, it replaces multiple separate components (labeling system, communication module, control unit), resulting in a net reduction of overall system complexity while significantly improving assembly automation and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If extensive data is stored and handled for each medicament container, then quality control and traceability are improved, but loss of time and production efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality controlVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The charge identification data is pre-stored in the microchip during manufacturing, before the assembly process begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming data collection and processing during assembly. The wireless communication system then rapidly retrieves this pre-stored data, significantly reducing data processing time while maintaining comprehensive quality control and traceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2771050B1Component of a drug delivery device and method of assembly
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 SANOFI AVENTIS DEUT GMBH
  • EP2771050B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2771050B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2771050B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an assembly line to assemble a medical device (10) and comprising at least one communication member (32) adapted to communicate with a corresponding communication member (32) of an initial component (12, 14, 18, 20, 22) of the device (10), wherein the assembly line (38) comprises at least one assembly stage (34, 36) adapted to conduct at least one step of assembly being at least influenced by device-related data obtained from the component (12, 14, 18, 20, 22).