Ring-Shaped RFID Tag Embedded in Syringe Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical injection devices face challenges in individual traceability, as external unique identifier codes are prone to removal or damage, inhibit sterilization, and complicate the manufacturing process, while existing RFID solutions require complex assembly and may interfere with sterilization.

Innovation Solution

A cover for medical injection devices featuring a ring-shaped RFID tag embedded within a dual-casing structure, where the RFID tag is protected from external damage and does not obstruct sterilization, allowing for remote identification without visual impact and minimal manufacturing disruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If printed unique identifier codes are used on the external side of the receptacle, then individual traceability is enabled, but the codes may be removed or damaged during handling or use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraceability reliabilityVSAvoididentifier stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is nested within the receptacle structure, specifically positioned in the hub portion or flange area, so that the identifier is embedded in the object rather than applied to its surface. This protects the identifier from removal or damage while maintaining traceability functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an RFID tag with magnetic or conductive properties that can be detected by a reader, creating an electromagnetic copy of the identifier information. This allows the physical identifier to be protected while the information is preserved through the electromagnetic field interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If printed unique identifier codes are applied to the external side of the receptacle, then individual traceability is enabled, but they cover a portion of the receptacle impacting visual inspection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraceability reliabilityVSAvoidvisual inspection ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If inkjet printing is used to print identifier codes on the external side of the receptacle, then individual traceability is enabled, but there is a risk of contamination of the receptacle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraceability reliabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical inkjet printing process with an RFID tag embedding process. Instead of depositing ink on the receptacle surface, the RFID tag is physically embedded within the receptacle structure, eliminating the contamination risk associated with ink deposition while maintaining identifier functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If a complex manufacturing process is used to assemble RFID components, then individual traceability is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraceability reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is merged with the receptacle structure during the molding process, so that the identifier component is integrated into the receptacle rather than requiring separate assembly steps. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining RFID functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

5Reliability

If an RFID tag is added to the shield assembly, then individual traceability is enabled, but the sterilization process is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraceability reliabilityVSAvoidsterilization interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is positioned in a specific location within the receptacle structure where it does not interfere with the sterilization process. The tag is embedded in the hub portion or flange area, allowing sterilization gases to pass through the shield assembly while still enabling RFID reading functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables long-range, individual identification of medical injection devices from manufacturing to disposal with no risk of damage or sterilization interference, maintaining visual inspection capabilities and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

said ring-shaped RFID tag comprising a RFID chip connected to at least one ring-shaped RFID antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4154179B1Ring-shaped RFID label for syringe tip cap

Publication Date: 2024.12.18 BECTON DICKINSON FRANCE SAS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to cover (10, 120) for a medical injection device (1, 100), said medical injection device (1, 100) having a hub portion (5, 104) defined at its distal end, the said cover (10, 120) comprising: - an outer casing (20, 130) formed of a first material, said outer casing (20, 130) having a distal end and a proximal end, - an inner casing (30, 140) formed of a second material different from the said first material and defining a cavity capable of receiving in a sealing way, at least part of the hub portion (5, 104), said inner casing (30, 140) having a distal end and a proximal end, and being at least partly inserted within the outer casing (20,130) and at least partially in contact with the outer casing (20, 130) and - at least one substantially ring-shaped Radio Frequency Identification RFID tag (40, 50, 150, 160) embedded within the cover (10, 120), said ring-shaped RFID tag (40, 50, 150, 160) comprising a RFID chip (40b, 50b, 150b) connected to at least one ring-shaped RFID antenna (40a, 50a, 150a). The present invention also relates to a medical injection device (1, 100) and a method for manufacturing a cover.