Cuvette Authentication via Random Particle Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-cost producers of disposable cuvettes for biological samples compromise quality, leading to unreliable analysis results due to ease of copying and lack of authentication methods, which undermines the reliability of analysis results and the integrity of the measuring devices.
Innovation Solution
A cuvette formed from moldable material with randomly distributed particles that create a unique, measurable pattern, making it difficult to replicate and allowing for authentication using the same detection technique as for the biological sample analysis, potentially combined with a readable label for digital representation verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cuvettes are labeled with identifiers such as bar codes, then authentication capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and labels are easy to reproduce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication function directly into the cuvette material by embedding particles within the plastic matrix. This combines the structural function of the cuvette with the authentication function, eliminating the need for separate labels or tags. The particles are incorporated during molding, making authentication inherent to the cuvette itself rather than an added component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by incorporating particles (such as glass beads or other distinguishable materials) into the plastic cuvette material. This creates a composite structure where the particle distribution pattern serves as a unique identifier. The composite nature makes replication difficult while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through injection molding processes.
2Reliability
If particles are randomly distributed in the cuvette material, then uniqueness and anti-counterfeiting capability are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embraces the dynamic and random nature of particle distribution rather than attempting to control it precisely. The random distribution is accepted as the desired outcome, providing uniqueness for each cuvette. The system is designed to detect and record this random pattern rather than to control or standardize it, turning a manufacturing challenge into an authentication feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from controlling particle position to controlling particle concentration and size parameters. By specifying the concentration range (0.1-10 particles per mm³) and size range (1-10 micrometers), the system ensures detectability and uniqueness without requiring precise positional control. This parameter-based approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining authentication capability.
3Reliability
If additional authentication equipment is introduced, then authentication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measuring device with multi-functionality, allowing it to perform both sample analysis and cuvette authentication using the same detection system. The detection device can identify the particle pattern within the cuvette material while also analyzing the biological sample, eliminating the need for separate authentication equipment. This universal approach reduces complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
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 unique pattern provides a reliable means of authentication without additional equipment, preventing the use of counterfeit cuvettes and ensuring accurate analysis results, while simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing the security of the cuvette's identity.
Implementation Method 1
The particles are randomly distributed, in order to form a unique pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
A cuvette for storing a biological sample to be analyzed by means of a predefined detection technique is disclosed. The cuvette is formed from a moldable material that contains particles at a concentration within a predefined range. The particles are randomly distributed, in order to form a unique pattern. Moreover, the particles have measurable physical properties, so that the unique pattern is detectable using the detection technique that is used to analyze the biological sample. The unique properties obtained by the randomly distributed particles render copying nearly impossible, since it is more complicated to distribute the particles in a predetermined pattern than to let them distribute randomly.