Sleeve-Mounted RFID Assembly for Small Syringe Closures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labelling technologies for pharmaceutical containers, particularly syringes, are inefficient and costly, and fail to provide reliable electronic identification due to limited labelling areas on primary closures.
Innovation Solution
An electronic labelling assembly comprising a sleeve-shaped supplementary element with a coupling structure and an RFID functional unit, which is designed to securely attach to the primary closure of syringes, ensuring reliable and cost-effective RFID functionalization, even on small areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional labelling technologies are used for syringes, then labelling can be applied, but the labelling area is limited and RFID functionality cannot be reliably implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The labelling system is divided into two independent parts: a supplementary element that attaches to the primary closure and an RFID functional unit that attaches to the supplementary element. This segmentation allows the RFID components to be positioned on the supplementary element rather than directly on the limited primary closure surface, effectively expanding the usable labelling area while maintaining reliable RFID functionality.
2Reliability
If a supplementary element is added to expand labelling area, then RFID functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID functional unit is nested within or on the supplementary element, which itself attaches to the primary closure. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functions (structural support, label mounting, RFID housing) into a compact integrated assembly, reducing overall complexity despite adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplementary element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the RFID functional unit, expands the effective labelling area, and attaches to the primary closure. By combining these functions into a single component, the design avoids the complexity of separate elements for each function.
3Device complexity
If labelling is applied directly to the primary closure, then the structure remains simple, but the reading range and RFID performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the RFID functional unit directly on the limited two-dimensional surface of the primary closure, the supplementary element extends the mounting surface into additional spatial dimensions. This allows the RFID antenna to be positioned optimally for maximum reading range while maintaining a compact overall structure.
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 secure, cost-effective, and convenient electronic identification of syringes and other pharmaceutical containers, preventing tampering and ensuring reliable RFID functionality with improved reading ranges, suitable for tracking and tracing.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna structure (27) which is coupled to the RFID chip (21)
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic labelling assembly for a multi-part container includes a sleeve-shaped supplementary element which includes a coupling structure and which is configured to be coupled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the supplementary element by the coupling structure to an outer surface of a primary closure of the container and to surround the primary closure. The labelling assembly further includes an RFID functional unit having an RFID chip and an antenna structure coupled thereto. The supplementary element and the RFID functional unit are formed in coordination with each other and coupled to each other so that the RFID functional unit is attachable to the primary closure of the container by the supplementary element.