RFID Seal Disk Merging Sealing and Identification Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tamper-resistant solutions for pharmaceutical containers are ineffective against sophisticated counterfeiting and tampering, as they can be easily replaced or recreated, posing risks to public health and financial losses, and there is a need for advanced identification and verification methods throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency (RF) security apparatus is integrated into the container, featuring a covering membrane with a sealing portion bonded to the opening, coupled with an RF security device that emits a predetermined signal in response to an RF interrogation, providing tamper evidence and enabling electronic identification and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tamper-resistant solutions (seal disks, RFID tags) are used, then basic identification is achieved, but they can be easily replaced or recreated by counterfeiters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function and RFID identification function into a single integrated seal disk assembly. The RFID antenna is formed directly from the metallic seal portion of the seal disk, eliminating the need for separate RFID tags and reducing the number of components that could be individually compromised. This integration makes counterfeiting more difficult as both sealing and identification functions must be replicated simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal disk employs a composite structure with a metallic seal portion (aluminum, steel, or stainless steel) and a plastic substrate portion, with adhesive layers bonding them together. This composite construction provides both the sealing integrity needed for tamper resistance and the metallic properties required for RFID functionality, while the multi-layer bonded structure is difficult to replicate without detection.
2Reliability
If a metallic seal disk is used for sealing, then sealing integrity is achieved, but it interferes with RFID signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The seal disk is segmented into distinct functional zones: a metallic seal portion for creating the seal and serving as the RFID antenna, and a non-metallic plastic substrate portion for structural support and RFID tag attachment. This segmentation allows the metallic portion to function as an effective RFID antenna while the plastic portion does not interfere with signal transmission, solving the mutual interference problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary plastic substrate portion that mediates between the metallic seal portion and the RFID tag. The plastic material acts as an RF-transparent medium that allows signals to pass through to the RFID antenna while providing structural support and a mounting surface for the RFID tag, thus enabling both metallic sealing and RFID functionality coexist.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate components (seal disk, RFID tag, adhesive) are used, then flexibility in assembly is achieved, but assembly complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components into a single integrated seal disk assembly where the RFID antenna is formed directly from the metallic seal portion itself. This eliminates the need for separate RFID tags, adhesive layers between the tag and seal, and mounting structures, reducing the total component count from 3+ parts to essentially one integrated component while maintaining assembly flexibility.
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 RF security apparatus effectively prevents tampering by ensuring the integrity of the container's contents and allows for accurate identification and verification, reducing the risk of counterfeit or mislabeled pharmaceuticals, thereby enhancing supply chain security and ensuring consumer safety.
Implementation Method 1
A radio frequency (RF) security apparatus is integrated into the container, featuring a covering membrane with a sealing portion bonded to the opening, coupled with an RF security device that emits a predetermined signal in response to an RF interrogation
Data Source
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AI summary
An RF security apparatus includes a covering membrane for overlying at least a portion of an opening in the container. The covering membrane has a sealing portion configured to be bonded to a mouth of the opening. An RF security device is coupled to the covering membrane. The RF security device is configured to emit a predetermined RF signal in response to an RF interrogation signal.