RFID Tag Encapsulation with Curable Adhesive for Medical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual counting and registration of medical instruments in operating rooms is time-consuming and error-prone, and attaching RFID tags to these instruments poses challenges such as sharp edges, detachment during sterilization, and impact-induced removal, which can compromise hygiene and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for attaching an RFID tag to a solid surface, such as a medical instrument, using a plastic and curable adhesive substance that covers the tag and abuts the surface, forming a smooth, impact-resistant cover that maintains the instrument's shape and structure, allowing for automated application and sterilization resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an identification tag is attached to a medical instrument, then the instrument can be automatically identified and tracked, but the tag creates sharp edges that may tear rubber gloves and pose hygiene risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible adhesive cover that conforms to the contours of the medical instrument, encapsulating the RFID tag and eliminating sharp edges. This thin film cover maintains flexibility while providing a smooth surface that prevents glove tears and maintains hygiene standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining the rigid RFID tag with a flexible adhesive cover material. This composite construction integrates the identification function with the protective covering, creating a unified component that eliminates harmful sharp edges while maintaining tag functionality.
2Productivity
If an identification tag is attached to a medical instrument, then automated tracking is enabled, but the tag may detach during cleaning, washing, and sterilization processes
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible adhesive cover completely encapsulates the RFID tag and adheres to the instrument surface, creating a protective shell that secures the tag during sterilization and washing processes. This thin film structure flexes with the instrument while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the RFID tag with the adhesive cover into a single integrated assembly. The cover and tag become a unified component that is attached to the instrument as one unit, preventing separation during cleaning and sterilization processes.
3Productivity
If an identification tag is attached to a medical instrument, then automated tracking is enabled, but impacts may cause the tag to separate from the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible adhesive cover acts as a protective shell that absorbs and distributes impact forces across the entire tag assembly rather than concentrating stress at attachment points. This flexible encapsulation prevents separation during handling and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive cover provides pre-existing protection and cushioning for the RFID tag before impacts occur. This protective layer is applied in advance to absorb and mitigate the effects of subsequent impacts, preventing tag separation from the instrument.
4Productivity
If an identification tag is attached to a medical instrument, then automated tracking is enabled, but sharp edges create grooves that are difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible adhesive cover creates a smooth, continuous surface that eliminates grooves and crevices where contaminants could accumulate. This smooth encapsulated surface is easily cleaned and maintains hygiene standards while preserving the RFID tracking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of the adhesive cover and tag creates a seamless surface without sharp edges or grooves. This composite design integrates the identification function with a cleanable surface, eliminating areas where debris could accumulate during use and sterilization.
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 a secure, hygienic, and efficient attachment of RFID tags to medical instruments, reducing the risk of detachment and edge-related issues, enabling automated processes while maintaining the instrument's properties and ensuring accurate tracking.
Implementation Method 1
A method for attaching an identification tag to a solid surface... applying a predetermined amount of a first adhesive substance on the second surface... forming the first adhesive substance, such that the first adhesive substance covers the identification tag and abut a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~5b
Figure 6~8
AI summary
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for attaching an identification tag to a solid surface and protecting the identification tag. The identification tag has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The method comprises: positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with an attachment site of the solid surface; applying a predetermined amount of a first adhesive substance on the second surface, the first adhesive substance being plastic during application and curable after application, the first adhesive substance having a first viscosity at the time of application;forming the first adhesive substance, such that the first adhesive substance covers the identification tag and abut a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag;and curing the first adhesive substance.