RFID Cover Assembly for Injection Device Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical injection devices lack effective individual traceability solutions that do not interfere with visual inspection, are resistant to damage, maintain high data transmission levels, and have minimal impact on manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A cover for medical injection devices incorporating an RFID tag positioned between two casings, with a wide width and length, ensuring secure integration without affecting appearance or manufacturing, allowing remote identification throughout the device's lifecycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If printed unique identifier codes are used on the external side of the receptacle, then individual traceability is enabled, but the codes may be removed or damaged during handling and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical printed codes with an electromagnetic RFID tag system. The RFID tag contains a chip and antenna that store and transmit identification data wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical printed codes that can be damaged or removed. This substitution provides durable, tamper-resistant traceability while maintaining readability throughout the supply chain.
2Reliability
If printed unique identifier codes are used on the external side of the receptacle, then individual traceability is enabled, but they may impact the user visual inspection process
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag system replaces external printed codes with an embedded electromagnetic identification system. The tag is integrated into the stopper assembly, making it invisible during visual inspection while maintaining full traceability capabilities through wireless electromagnetic communication between the RFID reader and the tag.
3Reliability
If inkjet printing is used to print identifier codes on the external side of the receptacle, then traceability is achieved, but there is a risk of contamination of the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the inkjet printing process by using an RFID tag with embedded electronic identification. The tag is manufactured with pre-programmed or programmable identification data, completely removing the need for ink application and associated contamination risks to the sterile medical device and packaging.
4Ease of manufacture
If a small RFID tag is used in the shield assembly, then the cover manufacturing process is not affected and visual appearance is maintained, but the data transmission level to the RFID reader is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the RFID tag in the axial dimension of the stopper assembly, extending along the length of the stopper rather than only in the radial plane. This axial extension provides greater surface area and antenna exposure for electromagnetic communication, improving data transmission levels while maintaining compatibility with the existing cover manufacturing process and visual appearance.
5Loss of information
If an RFID tag with wide width and length is used in the cover, then data transmission level is improved, but the cover manufacturing process is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover assembly into separate functional components: the outer cover, the stopper assembly containing the RFID tag, and the hub portion. This segmentation allows the RFID tag to be integrated into the stopper assembly independently, enabling optimized tag dimensions for data transmission while keeping the cover manufacturing process unchanged. The stopper assembly with the larger RFID tag can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the cover.
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
The solution provides robust individual traceability with no visual impact, resistance to damage, and minimal manufacturing disruption, while enhancing data transmission levels.
Implementation Method 1
a remotely readable electronic component such as RFID tag including a RFID chip and a RFID antenna for remote identification of the medical container
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cover for medical injection device, said medical injection device having a hub portion defined at its distal end. The said cover includes: an outer casing formed of a first material, said outer casing having an inner wall having a circumference, an inner casing formed of a second material different from the said first material and defining a cavity capable of receiving in a sealing way at least part of the hub portion, said inner casing having an outer wall having a circumference, and being at least partly inserted within the outer casing and at least partially in contact with the inner wall of the outer casing, a Radio Frequency Identification RFID tag located between the outer casing and the inner casing, said RFID tag comprising a RFID chip connected to at least one RFID antenna, wherein the RFID tag has a width extending between 40% and 100%, 100% being excluded, of the circumference of the outer wall of the inner casing or the whole circumference of the inner wall of the outer casing and wherein the RFID tag has a length extending over at least 50% of a length of the cover. The invention also relates to a medical injection device including the said cover and a method for manufacturing said cover.