RFID Tag Seal Integrity Detection on Deflectable Lids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to remotely and reliably determine the status of sealed containers, particularly when the seal is broken without visible indication, which is crucial for products requiring protection from contaminants and tampering.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a RFID tag positioned over a deflectable lid on a container, where the tag's operability changes based on the seal's status, allowing remote detection via an RFID reader, with the tag being operational when the seal is intact and becoming disabled when the seal is broken.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pop-up style cap or lid is used to indicate seal breakage, then the seal status can be visually determined, but the indication is not visible when covered with a label or stored in an enclosed carton
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pop-up lid indication system with an RFID-based detection system. Instead of relying on visual inspection of a physical lid movement, the system uses electromagnetic fields to detect seal status remotely. The RFID tag detects changes in the electromagnetic environment caused by lid deflection and communicates this status wirelessly to a reader, eliminating the need for direct visual contact with the container.
2Measurement precision
If RFID tag is positioned close to the deflectable lid for detection, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the tag may be affected by electromagnetic interference from the metal lid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-conductive adhesive layer as an intermediary between the RFID tag and the metal lid. This adhesive layer acts as an electromagnetic barrier that isolates the RFID tag from the metal surface, preventing electromagnetic interference and eddy current effects while maintaining the close proximity needed for sensitive detection of lid deflection status.
3Reliability
If the container is stored in a vacuum or low pressure environment for product protection, then product safety is improved, but the lid deflects inwardly making visual seal status determination impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual mechanical indication system with an electronic RFID-based detection system. The RFID tag mounted on the deflectable lid detects changes in its electromagnetic environment when the lid moves inward due to vacuum pressure, and wirelessly communicates this status change to an external reader, enabling remote seal status determination without visual inspection.
4Device complexity
If manual inspection of seal status is performed, then no additional detection components are needed, but the process is time-consuming and unreliable when the seal break is not visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-reporting seal status system where the RFID tag automatically detects and communicates seal integrity changes without requiring manual inspection. The system continuously monitors the electromagnetic environment around the RFID tag and autonomously determines seal status, enabling rapid automated verification of multiple containers simultaneously through wireless communication with a reader.
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 remote and reliable detection of container seal integrity, ensuring product protection and tamper detection, facilitating inventory control and logistical tracking.
Implementation Method 1
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) uses magnetic, electric or electromagnetic fields transmitted by a reader system to stimulate a responsive device (known as an RFID 'tag' or transponder) to identify itself
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining and communicating the status of a sealable container. The system comprises a seal status detection component that is positioned adjacent to or on a lid comprising a deflectable component. The lid engages the sealable container to form a seal. The seal status detection component moves between a first state of operation where there is a gap between the seal status detection component and the deflectable component of the lid, and a second state of operation where the seal status detection component is adjacent to or in contact with the deflectable component of the lid. The seal status detection component has a first frequency response to interrogation by a reader when the seal is intact, and a second frequency response when the seal is broken.