Tamper-proof Identification Band with Conductive Loop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing identification devices for ambulatory diagnostic studies lack tamper-proof mechanisms, leading to potential misidentification of individuals, especially in applications requiring accurate monitoring of physiological conditions that affect alertness while driving or operating heavy equipment.

Innovation Solution

A tamper-proof identification device featuring a flexible, non-stretchable band with an electrically-conductive loop and an electronic identification chip, where the loop has gaps bridged by the chip and terminals, preventing removal or tampering, and ensuring secure communication with a data processor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible band identification device is made stretchable to fit different body parts, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the device can be removed by stretching it over the terminal extremity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit different body partsVSAvoidprevent removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the band from stretchable to non-stretchable, fundamentally altering its mechanical properties. This prevents removal by stretching while maintaining the ability to fit different body parts through proper sizing and fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The band is divided into multiple segments or sections with fastening elements at the ends, allowing it to be adjusted to different body part sizes while preventing removal through the fastening mechanism rather than stretching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the band is made non-stretchable to prevent removal, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because it cannot be stretched over the terminal extremity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevent removalVSAvoidfit different body parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The band is segmented into adjustable sections with fastening elements that allow it to be fitted to different body part circumferences without requiring stretching, thus maintaining both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

While the band material itself is non-stretchable, the overall device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable fastening elements and adjustable configurations that adapt to different body parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the electrically-conductive loop is made continuous to ensure electrical communication, then reliability deteriorates because severing the band does not interrupt the loop, but ease of manufacture improves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous loopVSAvoidtamper-proof

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts or removes continuity from the electrically-conductive loop by introducing intentional gaps. These gaps are strategically positioned so that band severing interrupts the electrical path, providing tamper-proof functionality while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous conductive loop is segmented into separate sections with gaps between them. These gaps are bridged by electrical contacts that are disrupted when the band is severed, creating a reliable tamper-detection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If gaps are introduced in the electrically-conductive loop to prevent tampering, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper-proofVSAvoidgaps in loop

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the gap-bridging electrical contacts with existing structural elements of the band or fastening mechanisms, so that the tamper-detection functionality is integrated into the overall device design rather than added as separate complex components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gaps in the conductive loop are designed to be automatically bridged or unbridged by the natural operation of the band fastening or severing, eliminating the need for additional active components or complex control mechanisms to detect tampering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8485448B2Tamper-proof identification device particularly useful as a bracelet to be applied to the wrist or ankle of a patient

Publication Date: 2013.07.16 ITAMAR MEDICAL LTD

AI summary

A tamper-proof identification device is characterized in that it includes a non-stretchable band and an electrically-conductive loop having a first gap bridged by an electronic identification chip and a second gap defined by a pair of electrical terminals for connection to a data processor, such that the identification device protects against removal by stretching as well as by severing.