Tamper Detectable Container With Frangible RFID Tag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper detection systems for containers, such as those used for life vests on commercial aircraft, face challenges in balancing security with ease of access, as traditional security seals can hinder quick opening and are often complex and costly when using specialized RFID technology.
Innovation Solution
A container design incorporating a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag holder with a frangible part that breaks when the closure flap is moved, allowing the RFID tag to be similar to conventional security seals, enabling easy access while maintaining security, using a tag holder with separable parts and a closure flap that moves to uncover the opening, causing the RFID tag to cease functioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a security seal is placed where the lid and body separate to allow access to the interior, then security against impermissible access is improved, but the container becomes harder to open and access is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adhesive label system with an RFID tag system that uses electromagnetic fields for detection. The RFID tag can be read remotely through non-contact means, eliminating the need for physical seals at the lid-body interface while maintaining security monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a closure flap as an intermediary element that covers the opening and integrates the RFID tag. This flap acts as a mediator between the security requirement and the ease of access requirement, allowing the container to be opened without removing or damaging a seal.
2Reliability
If a frangible fastener with RFID circuit is used to detect container opening, then tamper detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard RFID tag design that can be read remotely, copying the successful wireless identification technology used in other applications. This avoids the need for complex frangible fasteners with integrated RFID circuits, reducing device complexity while maintaining tamper detection capability through the frangible part mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the security system into separate functional components: a standard RFID tag for identification, a frangible part for tamper detection, and a closure flap for mechanical security. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system compared to integrated frangible RFID fasteners.
3Reliability
If a security seal is applied to the container opening, then protection against unauthorized access is improved, but the force required to open the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of the RFID tag from a permanent seal to a frangible configuration that can break under controlled conditions. The frangible part is designed to break when the closure flap is opened, allowing the container to be opened with minimal force while still providing security through the breakable detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the security system dynamic by using a frangible part that transitions from an intact to a broken state when the container is opened. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to adapt to legitimate opening actions while detecting unauthorized access, reducing the force needed compared to rigid permanent seals.
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
This solution allows for secure storage while ensuring the life vest can be accessed with minimal force, as required by aviation regulations, and provides a cost-effective implementation of RFID technology by using standard RFID tags.
Implementation Method 1
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology allows identification information held in RFID tags to be read remotely by a RFID reader
Data Source
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AI summary
A container 1 comprises a receptacle 2 with an opening 3. In one embodiment, the container 1 is suitable for use on a commercial passenger aircraft as a life vest stowage device. A Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag 24 is mounted on a tag holder 16 comprising first and second parts 17, 18 that are separable from one another. The container 1 has a closure flap 5 moveable to cover an opening 3 of the container 1 along with first and second tag receiving holes 12, 13. The closure flap 5 has a sling 14 in which the RFID tag 24 and tag holder 16 can be located with the first part 17 of the tag holder 16 inserted in the first tag receiving hole 12 and the second part 18 of the tag holder 16 inserted in the second tag receiving hole 13. Moving the closure flap 5 to the unfolded configuration moves the sling 14 away from the first and second tag receiving holes 12, 13 and causes a frangible part 28 of the RFID tag 24 to break and the RFID tag 24 to cease functioning.