Container With Hidden Laser-Ablated Authentication Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for consumer goods lack a distinctive appearance and interactive functionality while being easy to assemble using standard packing techniques, and there is a need for novel ways to display indicia and authenticate products.
Innovation Solution
The container features ablated zones on the inner surface of the blank, which are not visually detectable from the outside, allowing for a novel and distinctive appearance and tactile interaction, with the ablated zones becoming visible or tactilely detectable upon loading, enabling authentication and display of indicia such as logos or identification codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ablated zones are provided on the inner surface of the blank, then the container provides novel appearance and interactive functionality with authentication capability, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical marking methods (embossments, creases) with laser ablation technology. The laser ablation process uses optical energy to selectively remove material from the inner surface of the blank, creating hidden zones that are only visible after container assembly. This substitution enables precise control over the ablation depth and pattern, allowing authentication codes and indicia to be created without mechanical contact, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while enhancing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The ablated zones are created on the inner surface of the blank before the container is assembled. This preliminary action allows the authentication features and indicia to be prepared in advance, and they automatically become visible or tactilely detectable upon container assembly when the lid is placed on the base. This eliminates the need for post-assembly processing or complex activation mechanisms.
2Loss of information
If material is removed from the blank to create ablated zones, then authentication and indicia display become possible, but the strength of the container wall is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The laser ablation process creates localized zones of reduced material thickness only in specific areas where authentication codes and indicia need to be displayed. The ablation depth is precisely controlled to be sufficient for creating visible or tactile differences, yet shallow enough to maintain overall structural integrity. This localized modification approach allows authentication features to be embedded without compromising the global strength of the container wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled changes in material thickness parameter through laser ablation. By adjusting laser power, pulse duration, and scan speed, the ablation depth can be precisely controlled to create zones with reduced thickness that are detectable but do not significantly weaken the container. The parameter changes are confined to specific regions, maintaining overall structural strength while enabling authentication functionality.
3Strength
If ablated zones are spaced from edge portions, then the container maintains structural integrity at edges, but the area available for authentication features is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blank surface into distinct zones: edge portions that maintain full thickness for structural integrity, and inner surface areas where ablated zones are created for authentication features. This segmentation allows the container to simultaneously achieve strong edges and sufficient authentication area by strategically placing ablated zones away from critical edge regions while utilizing the available inner surface space efficiently.
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 solution provides a container with a novel appearance and interactive functionality that is easy to assemble on existing machinery, maintaining the strength and appearance of the container while allowing for authentication and display of information upon user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface of the first planar wall defines a first ablation area, which comprises one or more first ablated zones formed by removing material from the inner surface of the first planar wall with an ablation tool
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a container (10) for consumer articles, the container (10) being at least partially formed from a blank having a thickness (T), the blank defining a portion of the container, which comprises at least a first planar wall (20) and one or more planar walls adjacent to the first planar wall (20). Each of the one or more adjacent planar walls is connected to the first planar wall by an edge portion or by a hinge portion. The inner surface of the first planar wall (20) defines a first ablation area (A 1) and the first ablation area (A 1) comprises one or more first ablated zones having a residual thickness (RT1) that is less than the thickness (T) of the laminar blank. At least a portion of the one or more first ablated zones is spaced from each and all of the edge portions or hinge portions connecting the first planar wall (20) with the one or more adjacent planar walls.