Sharps Bin Multi-Antenna Detection for RFID Signal Discrimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID-based systems for detecting used medicament delivery devices in sharps bins face interference from nearby RFID-tagged objects, leading to uncertainty about the source of received signals and potential misidentification of unused devices.

Innovation Solution

A detecting device using at least two receivers to measure signal properties such as strength and phase, determining if the signals comply with specific criteria to confirm the source as the medicament delivery device in the sharps bin, and optionally using a support plate displacement to enhance signal differentiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single RFID reader is used to read adherence data from the medicament delivery device, then the reading operation is simple, but signal interference from adjacent RFID-tagged objects causes uncertainty about the signal source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereading operation simplicityVSAvoidsignal source identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single RFID reader is divided into multiple receivers (at least two receivers). Each receiver captures signals independently, allowing the system to compare signal properties (strength, phase) from different spatial positions. This segmentation enables reliable identification of the medicament delivery device signal even in the presence of interference from adjacent RFID-tagged objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple receivers are used to distinguish the medicament delivery device from interfering transmitters, then signal source identification accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal source identification accuracyVSAvoidreceiver system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system adds a spatial dimension by deploying multiple receivers at different positions. By measuring signal properties (strength, phase) from multiple spatial locations, the system creates a dimensional advantage that enables discrimination between the medicament delivery device and interfering transmitters. The processing unit compares these multi-dimensional signal characteristics to reliably identify the target device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Effectively discriminates the medicament delivery device from interfering transmitters, ensuring accurate adherence data monitoring and tracing, supporting drug regimen adherence and sustainability efforts.

Implementation Method 1

at least two receivers (13, 14, 20) configured to wirelessly receive signals transmitted by the medicament delivery device (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12478450B2Monitoring of sharps container using multiple antennas

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 SHL MEDICAL AG

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a detecting device configured for contactless detection of a used medicament delivery device accommodated in a sharps bin, said medicament delivery device being capable of wireless transmission of signals to be received at the detecting device for detecting the medicament delivery device in the sharps bin.