Tamper Detection Device with Visual LED Status Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper detection devices require time-consuming interrogation to verify the state of multiple tamper loops, making them impractical for quick assessment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light emitting diode (LED) coupled between the same terminals as the tamper loop, which is activated to visually indicate the status of the tamper loop, allowing for quick visual inspection of multiple products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If RFID interrogation method is used to verify tamper loop state, then detection capability is maintained, but time consumption increases significantly when checking multiple tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the color change principle by using an LED that changes its illumination state (on/off or different colors) to visually indicate the tamper loop status. When the LED is illuminated, it signifies a specific tamper state, allowing operators to quickly assess multiple tags at a glance without time-consuming RFID interrogation of each individual tag, thus resolving the contradiction between detection capability and time consumption
2Productivity
If visual indication method is implemented, then detection speed improves, but device complexity increases due to additional LED component
Solution Approach 1:
The LED component serves multiple functions: it acts as a visual indicator for tamper status, provides user feedback on device state, and enables rapid batch inspection capability. By making the LED multi-functional rather than adding it solely for indication purposes, the increase in device complexity is justified by the significant gain in productivity and detection speed across multiple applications
3Productivity
If LED is coupled between same terminals as tamper loop, then visual verification enables rapid inspection, but electrical load on chip terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, synchronized with RFID interrogation cycles or user-triggered events. This periodic activation reduces the average electrical load on chip terminals while still providing rapid visual verification capability when needed, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and energy consumption
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 rapid visual verification of tampered or non-tampered products, streamlining the detection process for multiple items equipped with the device.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting diode (LED), configured to be activated, i.e. supplied with current, upon a signal received by the antenna
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A device according to the invention comprises an integrated circuit chip (2), an antenna (3) and a tamper loop (4), and in addition to this, the device comprises a light emitting diode (LED) (20), configured to be activated, i.e. supplied with current, upon a signal received by the antenna (3). The LED (20) is integrated in the device in such a way that when the LED is activated in the above-described way, the LED lights up so as to become visible by the naked eye, on the condition that the tamper loop (4) is in a predefined state, either open or closed. The LED (20) is coupled between the same terminals (8,9) of the integrated circuit chip (2) as the tamper loop (4).