Multiplexed RFID Verification for Single-Use Bioprocessing Connections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for verifying connections in single-use systems in pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing are prone to errors, are costly due to the need for reusable RFID readers, and do not efficiently communicate connection status in real-time.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing multiplexed RFID transceivers and tags attached to connectors in single-use bags or containers, with remote antennas and a visual user interface to verify connection status and communicate it to a host system, allowing for real-time monitoring and automatic data generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID readers are built into connectors for verification, then connection verification capability is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection verification capabilityVSAvoidconnector size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the RFID verification function from the connector itself and places it in a separate handheld device. The connector only contains the passive RFID tag, while the active RFID reader is in a separate handheld verifier. This separation reduces connector complexity and cost while maintaining verification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a handheld RFID reader as an intermediary between the connector and the verification system. This intermediary device performs the verification function without requiring the connector to have built-in active components, thereby simplifying the connector design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If reusable RFID readers are used, then verification reliability is improved, but cost and cleaning requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification reliabilityVSAvoidsystem cost and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the RFID tag disposable by integrating it with the single-use connector. The passive RFID tag is discarded with the connector after use, while the expensive active RFID reader is reused. This approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining verification reliability through the reusable reader.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If paper log books and visual inspections are used, then system cost is reduced, but error rate and verification reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem costVSAvoidconnection verification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification methods (paper log books, visual inspections) with an automated electromagnetic field-based RFID verification system. The handheld RFID reader uses electromagnetic fields to automatically detect and verify connector connections, eliminating human error while keeping the system relatively simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If connection verification is performed manually, then system complexity is reduced, but time consumption and productivity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification system complexityVSAvoidconnection verification speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated RFID electromagnetic field detection. The handheld reader quickly scans for RFID tags and verifies connections through electromagnetic interaction, dramatically increasing verification speed while adding minimal system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution minimizes errors, reduces costs by using disposable antennas, and provides real-time connection status information, ensuring the integrity of the production process while being economical for single-use systems.

Implementation Method 1

RFID tags that are programmed with connection specific indicia are attached at or in proximity to various connections in a pharmaceutical or biotech processing system and interrogated by remote antennas driven by a multiplexed RFID transceiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2427872B1Use of multiplexed RFID controllers to verify connections in automated systems

Publication Date: 2016.03.09 NEWAGE IND INC

Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4

AI summary

A system and method for using multiplexed RFID transceivers and RFID tags to verify connections and communicate the connection status to a host system is provided. RFID tags that are programmed with connection specific indicia are attached at or in proximity to various connections in a pharmaceutical or biotech processing system and interrogated by remote antennas driven by a multiplexed RFID transceiver. This enables a user to verify the status of each connection and communicate the connection status to a host system.