Secure Sealing Device Supplemental Antenna Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure sealing devices require active radiofrequency transceivers, increasing complexity and cost, and passive devices have limited communication range, making them inefficient for large-scale tracking and tampering detection.
Innovation Solution
A secure sealing device with a closure element having an electrically conductive path of a length equal to or half the wavelength of the radiofrequency transceiver, functioning as a supplemental antenna for enhanced inductive coupling, and an electric circuit that detects breaches by interrupting connections between terminals, allowing for tamper-proof and long-range communication without additional power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If active radiofrequency transceivers are used in secure sealing devices, then communication range is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the electrically conductive closure element that acts as a passive antenna - to extend the communication range of the passive radiofrequency transceiver without requiring active components or power supply, thus resolving the contradiction between communication range and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for active electronic systems (powered transceivers) with a passive electromagnetic field-based solution, where the conductive closure element creates an extended antenna system that enhances communication range without mechanical or electronic power requirements
2Device complexity
If passive radiofrequency transceivers are used in secure sealing devices, then device complexity is reduced, but communication range becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the antenna system from a single-point transceiver to a distributed linear structure along the closure element, effectively transforming a zero-dimensional point source into a one-dimensional linear antenna array, thereby expanding communication range while maintaining passivity
3Reliability
If visual inspection of sealing devices is performed, then tamper detection is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated radiofrequency detection, where readers can remotely and rapidly detect seal status and tampering events through wireless communication, eliminating the need for close visual examination and significantly reducing inspection time
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 significantly increases the communication range of the radiofrequency transceiver and provides tamper-proof detection of breaches, enabling efficient tracking and identification of seal integrity with reduced complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the electrically conductive path of the closure element has a length which is substantially equal to X or 1⁄2X times half said predetermined working wavelength of the radiofrequency transceiver, wherein X is a whole number. With such lengths, this electrically conductive core can work as a supplemental antenna at said working wavelength of the closure element, significantly increasing the range of the radiofrequency transceiver by inductive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a secure sealing device 101 comprising at least a closure element 102 with an electrically conductive path 120, and a locking body 103 comprising an electric circuit with a data carrier and a radiofrequency transceiver with a predetermined working wavelength. Said locking body 103 is configured be locked to at least one free end 102a of said closure element 102 to attach the locking body 103 to an object to be sealed. The electrically conductive path 120 of the closure element 102 has a length which is substantially equal to X or ½X times half said predetermined working wavelength of the radiofrequency transceiver, thus enhancing the range of the radiofrequency transceiver by inductive coupling.