Wireless Coupling Pattern for Intelligent Package Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intelligent package technologies face challenges in providing a reliable and flexible interface between the package and communications modules, particularly for medical applications where patients with disabilities may struggle to replace exhausted packages, and manufacturing tolerances can lead to human error and design inflexibility.

Innovation Solution

A package with an electrically conductive pattern and an interface portion that supports a wireless coupling pattern, allowing for a short-distance wireless communications link with the communications module, which reduces the need for mechanical connections and allows for looser manufacturing tolerances and greater design freedom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical connection interface is used between the package and communications module, then reliable electrical contact can be achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements become stringent and the attachment process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinterface alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical electrical contact system with a wireless communication system. The package and communications module use wireless signals (such as RFID, NFC, or other short-range wireless technologies) to exchange data without requiring physical electrical contacts. This eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment and complex connector interfaces while maintaining reliable communication between the package and module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for data transmission between the package and communications module. Instead of direct electrical contact, information is transmitted through wireless signals that can penetrate or bridge the gap between components, allowing reliable communication without stringent mechanical connection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed mechanical interface is used, then electrical connection is stable, but the package design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidpackage design flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the fixed mechanical interface with wireless communication, the patent enables the package body to be designed in various forms and configurations without being constrained by the need to accommodate specific mechanical connectors or electrical contacts. The wireless communication capability can be integrated into different package designs while maintaining stable data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static mechanical interface to a dynamic wireless communication system that can adapt to different package configurations. The wireless communication protocol can maintain stable connection despite variations in physical arrangement, orientation, or distance between the package and communications module, thereby providing both stability and design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If precise mechanical alignment is required for attachment, then electrical contact reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates especially for users with disabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidmodule attachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for precise manual alignment operations by using wireless communication instead of mechanical electrical contacts. Users with disabilities can attach the communications module to the package without needing to perform complex alignment tasks, as the wireless communication system can establish connection automatically or with minimal user effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication system can automatically establish and maintain connection between the package and communications module without requiring user intervention for alignment or contact establishment. The system performs the connection task itself through automatic signal detection and pairing, greatly simplifying the operation for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If visible electronic components and wiring are exposed at the interface, then functionality is achieved, but user distrust increases and visual design is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional implementationVSAvoiduser distrust and aesthetic impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By using wireless communication, the patent eliminates visible wires, connectors, and electrical contacts at the interface between package and module. This hidden infrastructure approach maintains full functionality while presenting a clean, aesthetic appearance that reduces user concern about exposed electronics and improves visual design freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication components can be integrated within thin layers or encapsulated structures that are invisible or minimally visible from the outside. This allows the functional electronic components to be hidden within the package or module housing, maintaining aesthetic appearance while preserving communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enables reliable communication between the package and module without stringent mechanical connections, accommodating various package designs and user orientations, and reduces user distrust of electronic components, while allowing for easier attachment and increased flexibility in package design.

Implementation Method 1

The electrically conductive pattern comprises, at least partly within said interface portion, a wireless coupling pattern that constitutes one half of a wireless coupling arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The communications module further comprises a sensor of electric characteristics, said sensor being configured to direct an excitation signal to said half of a wireless coupling arrangement and to measure a response to said excitation signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic measurement: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2898446B1Versatile and reliable intelligent package
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 STORA ENSO OYJ
  • EP2898446B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2898446B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2898446B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

A package comprises a body, and an electrically conductive pattern supported by said body. An interface portion is configured to receive a module to a removable attachment with the package. The electrically conductive pattern comprises, at least partly within said interface portion, a wireless coupling pattern that constitutes one half of a wireless coupling arrangement.