Cartridge Membrane Laser Marking for Solvent-Resistant Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air freshening cartridges face challenges in providing consumer-friendly identification and consistent evaporation rates across different fragrance options, leading to plastic waste and environmental concerns due to ink dissolution in perfume compositions.

Innovation Solution

Laser marking is used to create stable markings on the membrane of the cartridge, allowing for consumer identification and optimizing evaporation rates without affecting membrane performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If ink is printed on the membrane to provide consumer identification information, then consumer identification is enabled, but the ink dissolves or blurs when the membrane is saturated with perfume and solvents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumer identification informationVSAvoidmarking stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical printing method (ink) with a laser marking method. The laser marking process creates permanent markings on the membrane through thermal energy, forming carbonized patterns that are resistant to dissolution by perfume compositions and solvents. This substitution of the marking mechanism resolves the contradiction by eliminating the chemical ink that would otherwise dissolve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and chemical state of the membrane surface through laser marking. The laser energy modifies the membrane material locally, creating carbonized markings that have different physical properties than the original membrane surface. These marked portions are resistant to solvent penetration and dissolution, maintaining information stability throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the reservoir portion is made from unmarked transparent plastic to enable consumer visualization of remaining liquid, then consumer visualization is improved, but consumer identification information cannot be displayed on this portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumer visualization of remaining liquidVSAvoidconsumer identification information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cartridge into two functional segments: the reservoir portion made from transparent plastic for visualizing remaining liquid, and the membrane portion with laser markings for consumer identification information. By segmenting the cartridge structure, each portion can fulfill its specific function without interference, resolving the contradiction between visualization and information display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the consumer identification information from the reservoir portion (2D surface) to the membrane portion (separate layer). This dimensional separation allows the reservoir to remain transparent for visualization while the membrane provides the necessary identification markings through laser marking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple perfume compositions with different evaporation rates are used in a product line, then consumer choice is increased, but ensuring consistent evaporation rates becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefragrance optionsVSAvoidevaporation rate consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses laser marking to modify the membrane's physical properties (such as creating micro-channels or altering surface characteristics) to adjust and standardize evaporation rates. By controlling the laser marking parameters (energy, duration, pattern), the membrane can be optimized to provide consistent evaporation performance across different perfume compositions, enabling manufacturers to offer diverse fragrance options with controlled release rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 laser-marked membrane maintains clarity and enhances evaporation rates, reducing plastic waste and enabling consistent performance across varying perfume compositions.

Implementation Method 1

using a laser to mark the surface of a membrane to form text or images solves some or all of the problems discussed above. The resulting marked portions of a membrane are stable against the presence of organic solvents and other components of a perfume composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser marking: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

a membrane enclosing the opening of the reservoir, the membrane configured to allow evaporation of the volatile composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20250296767A1Cartridge with laser marking

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A cartridge for a volatile composition dispenser is provided. The cartridge includes a reservoir containing a volatile composition in liquid form and having an opening, a membrane enclosing the opening of the reservoir, the membrane configured to allow evaporation of the volatile composition, and a sealing substrate enclosing the opening of the reservoir. The membrane includes one or more markings obtainable by laser marking.