RFID Tag Orientation in Medical Injection Device Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical injection devices face challenges in reliable traceability due to susceptibility to wear and damage of printed unique identifier codes and complex manufacturing processes associated with integrated RFID tags, which impact visual inspection and data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A cover for medical injection devices with an integrated RFID tag, where the RFID tag is oriented with its dipole axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cover, enhancing readability and performance, and positioned within the cover to match its curvature, using a UHF RFID tag and a deformable inner casing to ensure reliable tracking without manufacturing complexities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If printed machine-readable unique identifier codes are used on the external surface of the syringe, then traceability is provided, but the codes are susceptible to wear and damage from handling or use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraceability reliabilityVSAvoidcode durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical printed code system with an RFID tag system that uses electromagnetic fields for data storage and retrieval. The RFID tag contains a chip and antenna that store unique identifier information, eliminating the need for physical printed codes that can wear or become damaged during handling and use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If an RFID tag is incorporated into the syringe, then traceability with remote identification is provided, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraceability reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the RFID tag with the syringe cap assembly, integrating the chip and antenna into the cap structure. This merging approach allows the RFID functionality to be incorporated into an existing component rather than adding a separate complex subsystem, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining traceability capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If an RFID tag is incorporated into the syringe, then remote identification is provided, but limitations on the reading of the RFID tag occur due to tag design or incorporation manner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidRFID tag readability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the RFID tag parameters by aligning the dipole axis of the antenna with the longitudinal axis of the syringe. This specific orientation parameter change maximizes the electromagnetic field coupling between the tag and reader, extending the read range and improving readability reliability while eliminating limitations caused by suboptimal tag design or placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effective and dependable traceability for medical injection devices, optimizing RFID tag readability and performance, extending the read range, and enabling omni-directional readability, while minimizing manufacturing challenges and susceptibility to damage.

Implementation Method 1

an RFID tag (including a RFID chip and a RFID antenna) for remote identification of the medical container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The RFID tag is oriented such that a dipole axis of the RFID tag is approximately aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDipole alignment: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4470584A1Medical injection device cover with optimally oriented RFID tag
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 BECTON DICKINSON & CO
  • EP4470584A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4470584A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4470584A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided herein is a cover for a medical injection device, with the cover including an outer casing and an inner casing, with the inner casing defining a cavity configured to receive at least part of a hub portion of the medical injection device and form a seal therewith. An RFID tag is integrated within the cover and includes an RFID chip and an RFID antenna operatively connected to the RFID chip. The RFID antenna includes a first tag dipole provided on a first side of the RFID chip and a second tag dipole provided on a second side of the RFID chip. The RFID tag is oriented such that a dipole axis of the RFID tag is approximately aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cover.