Transponder Application in Food Packaging Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines lack the ability to efficiently integrate and utilize transponders for tracking food product information, such as content and production processes, while ensuring hygiene standards and operational simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine equipped with a device for applying transponders to plastics material packaging and a means for data exchange between the transponder and a computer or control unit, allowing data to be transmitted to or retrieved from the transponder, which is securely attached to the packaging to prevent damage and facilitate easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transponders are integrated into packaging machines for tracking food product information, then product safety and traceability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transponder application device with existing packaging machine components, integrating transponder attachment into the sealing or labeling station. This merging approach allows traceability functionality to be added without creating entirely separate systems, thus improving product safety while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging machine is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional packaging operations (sealing, forming) combined with transponder application and data exchange. By making the machine universal, the same equipment handles both packaging and traceability tasks, improving reliability through integrated monitoring while avoiding the complexity of dedicated separate systems.
2Reliability
If transponders are securely attached to packaging to prevent damage, then transponder reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Transponders are attached to packaging components (such as labels or seals) before final packaging assembly. This preliminary action ensures transponders are securely positioned and protected from damage during subsequent packaging operations, improving transponder reliability while maintaining manufacturing ease by integrating attachment into existing process steps rather than adding separate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder is nested within or attached to existing packaging components such as labels, seals, or caps that are already part of the packaging structure. This nesting approach provides secure attachment and protection without requiring separate manufacturing steps, as the transponder becomes part of the existing packaging assembly process.
3Loss of information
If data exchange means are added to transmit and retrieve transponder data, then information availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data exchange means (such as a reader/writer device or antenna system) that acts as an intermediary between the transponder and the central system. This intermediary enables automatic data transmission and retrieval without requiring direct connection or manual intervention, improving information availability while keeping the system relatively simple by using standardized communication protocols and off-the-shelf components.
4Reliability
If packaging machines are designed to meet hygiene specifications with transponder integration, then product safety is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that packaging materials and machine surfaces in contact with food products use smooth, non-porous materials that prevent bacterial adhesion and facilitate cleaning. Transponder attachment methods are selected to maintain surface smoothness and avoid crevices where contamination could occur, ensuring hygiene compliance while maintaining ease of operation through simple cleaning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses hygiene requirements by selecting transponder attachment methods and materials with appropriate surface properties (smoothness, non-porosity, chemical resistance) that meet hygiene specifications. By carefully selecting materials and methods with the right parameters, the system achieves hygiene compliance without complicating operation, as these properties inherently facilitate cleaning and maintenance.
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 tracing of food product content and production processes, enhances product safety, and supports hygiene standards by allowing secure and efficient data storage and retrieval without compromising machine operation or hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a means for data exchange between the transponder and a computer and/or control unit, with which data can be transmitted to the transponder or can optionally be retrieved therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a packaging machine for packing food products in a plastic packaging, said machine comprising a device for applying a transponder to the plastic packaging, and a system for data exchange between the transponder and a computer unit and/or a regulating unit, by which means data can be transmitted to the transponder or called therefrom.