RFID Tagging Device with Capacitive Cuff Sensor for Infant Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient tagging methods, particularly in hospitals, are vulnerable to tampering and detachment, increasing the risk of baby abduction due to their simplicity and lack of tamper resistance.
Innovation Solution
A tagging device with a C-shaped or O-shaped cuff member made of flexible materials, incorporating a conductive sheet and strap sensor for capacitive sensing, integrated RFID for secure engagement and disengagement detection, and wireless charging for continuous operation, which alerts the system upon disengagement or tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simple text labels with barcodes are attached to patients' wrists, then identification function is achieved, but tamper resistance and security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tagging device is divided into separate functional components: a cuff member for engagement, a tag body containing RFID and sensing arrangements, and a strap for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing arrangement continuously monitors the engagement state of the cuff member and provides feedback signals to indicate whether the tag remains properly attached or has been manipulated. This feedback mechanism enhances tamper resistance by enabling real-time detection of unauthorized removal attempts.
2Reliability
If adhesive tags are used on infants, then identification is provided, but the tags can be easily detached accidentally or intentionally without alerts
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing arrangement detects changes in engagement status and triggers alerts when the tag is removed or manipulated. This feedback mechanism ensures that accidental or intentional detachment is immediately noticed, maintaining engagement security while allowing easy removal under supervised conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces simple mechanical adhesive attachment with an intelligent system combining mechanical engagement (cuff member) and electronic sensing. The sensing arrangement substitutes for continuous human monitoring by automatically detecting and reporting engagement changes.
3Reliability
If a secure engagement system is implemented, then tamper resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional arrangements (RFID for identification, sensing for engagement detection, wireless communication for alerting) are merged into a single integrated tag body. This consolidation achieves high security against abduction while managing device complexity through unified design rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag body serves multiple functions simultaneously: RFID identification, engagement sensing, wireless communication, and alert generation. This multi-functionality approach achieves comprehensive security without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component structure performs diverse tasks.
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
Enhances tamper resistance and reduces false alarms, ensuring accurate tracking and alerting of potential abduction attempts, thereby improving patient safety and security.
Implementation Method 1
the cuff sensor includes a conductive sheet arranged to detect the disengagement of the cuff from the limb of the object
Implementation Method 2
the tag body further includes an RFID arrangement for communicating with a RFID system
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (100) for tagging an object comprising: a tag body (104) having an engagement arrangement (102) for engaging the tag body to the object, wherein the engagement arrangement (102) includes at least one sensing arrangement arranged to detect a disengagement of the tag body (104) from the object.