RFID Tag Integrated into Container Closure Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID tags are inadequate for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products within supply chains, as they fail to prevent tampering, adulteration, and counterfeiting effectively, and existing solutions are not economically viable for industrial-scale production.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving RFID tags with printed indicia, an antenna, and chip, laminated with a carrier web to form a tamper-proof seal within a container, allowing for secure storage and tracking of product information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RFID tags are used for tracking pharmaceutical products, then item-level tracking capability is provided, but the tags fail to prevent tampering and ensure product integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RFID tag with the container closure system by integrating the tag into the seal or cap structure. The RFID antenna is formed as part of the sealing mechanism, and the tag cannot be removed without compromising the seal integrity. This merging ensures that product integrity is maintained while providing tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is nested within the container closure assembly, with the antenna embedded in the seal or cap layers. The tag structure is contained within the broader closure system, allowing the closure to serve dual functions: sealing the container and providing RFID tracking. This nesting prevents tampering while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If RFID tags are integrated into container seals to prevent tampering, then product security is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is manufactured and integrated into the container closure components during the initial manufacturing process, before the container is assembled and filled. The antenna is formed as part of the mold or assembly process, and the tag is activated in advance. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing workflow and reduces additional processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The container closure system serves multiple functions: it seals the container, provides structural support, and integrates the RFID tagging and tracking functionality. By making the closure system multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate tamper-evident mechanisms and RFID tags, thereby simplifying manufacturing despite the enhanced security features.
3Productivity
If RFID tags are applied to container exteriors using pressure sensitive adhesives, then tracking is enabled, but the tags can be removed or tampered with
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying the RFID tag as a separate adhesive label on the container exterior, the patent merges the tag directly into the container closure structure. The antenna is formed as an integral part of the seal or cap, eliminating the possibility of removal or tampering while maintaining tracking efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID antenna is constructed using flexible conductive materials or thin film traces that are laminated or molded into the closure components. These flexible conductive layers are embedded within the closure structure, providing both the necessary RFID functionality and resistance to removal or tampering, while maintaining the flexibility needed for container sealing.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If sophisticated tamper-proof mechanisms are implemented, then product security against adulteration and counterfeiting is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container closure system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: sealing the container, providing structural integrity, and serving as the RFID tag carrier. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tamper-proof mechanisms and RFID components, thereby preventing counterfeit and adulteration without significantly increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the RFID antenna, tag electronics, and closure structural elements into a single integrated assembly. The antenna is formed as part of the sealing mechanism, and the tag cannot be separated from the closure without compromising the seal. This merging provides sophisticated tamper-proof capability while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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 secure, cost-effective, and efficient item-level tracking and authentication, preventing tampering and counterfeiting while ensuring the integrity of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, enhancing supply chain security and reducing liability.
Implementation Method 1
The microprocessor also modulates a radio frequency (RF) signal that is transmitted via the antenna
Implementation Method 2
Passive RFID tags are energized by the electromagnetic field produced by the reader
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is disclosed. The RFID tag can include a blank onto which indicia is printed. The blank may further have an RFID chip and antenna disposed thereon. The blank may further be mounted on a carrier web and may also be laminated. The laminated RFID tag may then be disposed into a container and may be used for storing and transmitting information regarding the container or its contents.