RFID Tag on Piston for Fluid Dispenser State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid dispenser systems lack a secure and tamper-proof method to provide information about the fluid and its filling state, and users must actively seek visual cues, which are passive and not always reliable.

Innovation Solution

An RFID tag is secured to the piston within the fluid dispenser, allowing for remote communication via antennas to determine the filling state by measuring signal power levels, with warning mechanisms like smartphones or audible signals to inform the user of the reservoir's state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the RFID tag is mounted on the pump body, then information about the dispenser can be provided, but the information is not specifically about the fluid and can be easily accessed or tampered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation securityVSAvoidaccessibility of RFID tag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is nested within the piston structure, which itself is contained within the slide cylinder and reservoir assembly. This nested arrangement ensures the RFID tag is protected and only accessible when the reservoir is completely removed and disassembled, preventing tampering while maintaining information security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The piston serves as an intermediary carrier for the RFID tag, positioning it in a location that is neither easily accessible nor vulnerable to tampering. The piston's position within the sealed reservoir creates a secure intermediate location that balances accessibility for legitimate purposes with protection against unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If passive visual indications are used for filling state, then device complexity is reduced, but user awareness and reliability of information are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser awareness of filling stateVSAvoidactive notification system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides active feedback to the user about the filling state through multiple channels: the RFID tag transmits filling information that can be read by external devices, and the warning means (visual, audible, or vibrational) provide real-time feedback when the filling threshold is reached. This transforms passive visual cues into active, reliable information delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag serves multiple functions: it stores information about the fluid, communicates filling state to external devices, and triggers warning mechanisms. This multi-functionality consolidates several information delivery methods into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the RFID tag is placed on accessible surfaces, then ease of access for reading information is improved, but vulnerability to tampering and falsification increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of RFID tagVSAvoidtampering and falsification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag is pre-positioned in a secure location within the piston during manufacturing, before the reservoir is assembled and filled. This preliminary positioning ensures the tag remains in its protected position throughout the product lifecycle, preventing later tampering attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 RFID tag on the piston securely stores information and provides clear, reliable indications of the fluid's filling state, enhancing user awareness and preventing tampering through remote and accessible warnings.

Implementation Method 1

an RFID tag that is secured to the piston. Specifically, the piston is arranged in the slide cylinder and, as a result, it is only accessible when the reservoir is empty

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one transmit antenna that is suitable for sending a signal to the RFID tag and for receiving a return signal transmitted by the RFID tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

power measurement means that are suitable for measuring the power level of the return signal transmitted by the RFID tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal power measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS11376615B2Assembly for dispensing a fluid product

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 APTAR FRANCE SAS

AI summary

A fluid dispenser assembly having a fluid reservoir (4), a dispenser member (5), and a dispenser orifice (62). The fluid reservoir (4) includes a piston (42) movable in leaktight sliding contact in a slide cylinder (41) over a maximum stroke defined between a start position that corresponds to a substantially full state of the reservoir, and an end position that corresponds to a substantially empty state of the reservoir. The dispenser assembly further includes an RFID tag (40) that is secured to the piston (42).