Tamper-Evident Closure With Masking RFID Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-evident closure systems for container necks face challenges in maintaining a visually distinct state after opening, as they can be reversed or tampered with, and RFID devices can be easily read after initial activation, compromising their effectiveness in indicating non-original contents.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-evident closure system featuring a first and second portion with a window, where rotation upon opening irreversibly locks the parts in a new relative position, changing the visible view and masking the RFID device, ensuring it remains unreadable, utilizing a ratchet mechanism and NFC tags for secure tampering indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an RFID device is integrated into the closure to provide identification and tracking, then the ability to identify item details and track items is improved, but the RFID device can be read after opening, compromising its effectiveness in indicating non-original contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the concept of state change by using the window to transition between visible and hidden states. When the closure is opened, the window moves to mask the RFID device, changing its visibility state from readable to unreadable, similar to how color changes indicate a state transition
Solution Approach 2:
The window acts as an intermediary element between the RFID device and the external reading device. It controls the interaction by allowing RF signal transmission in the closed state and blocking it in the opened state, mediating the readability based on closure status
2Ease of operation
If a closure system allows the second portion to be rotated back to its original position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the tamper-evidence is compromised as the closure can be returned to a visually identical state
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is segmented into a first portion and a second portion that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the second portion to be rotated for opening while the first portion remains fixed, enabling the tamper-evident rotation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing free rotation in both directions, the patent inverts the approach by enabling rotation in only one direction (first direction only). The ratchet mechanism prevents reverse rotation, making the opening action irreversible and providing reliable tamper evidence
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to irreversibly lock the portions in the second relative relation, then the tamper evidence reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-component locking mechanisms with a simple ratchet mechanism that uses basic mechanical principles. The ratchet and pawl system provides irreversible locking with minimal components, substituting elaborate locking systems with a straightforward mechanical solution
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism is self-activating during the rotation process. As the second portion rotates in the first direction, the ratchet teeth automatically engage with the pawl, providing automatic irreversible locking without requiring additional actuators, sensors, or complex control systems
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 system provides a secure and irreversible tamper-evident mechanism that changes the visible appearance and RFID readability upon initial opening, preventing reactivation and ensuring the detection of non-original contents, enhancing security and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a closure with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, which contains electronically-stored information that can be ascertained using an appropriate reading device via radio waves
Implementation Method 2
A type of RFID technology is near field communication (NFC), which is a set of communication protocols allowing short-range, low-power wireless connectivity between two electronic devices
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper-evident closure (101) for a container neck comprises a first portion (105, 106), a second portion (102, 104) comprising a window (103) through which a view of the first portion is visible, a locking mechanism, and an RFID device (107) associated with the first portion (105, 106). The second portion (102, 104) is rotatable relative to the first portion (105, 106) upon first opening of the tamper-evident closure (101) from a first position in which the first and second portions (105, 106; 102, 104) are in a first relative relation and the RFID device (107) is aligned with the window (103) and is readable, to a second position in which the first and second portions (105, 106; 102, 104) are in a second relative relation and the RFID device (107) is masked by the second portion (102, 104) and is not readable.