Dynamic Luminescence Identification for Deposit Bottles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for identifying deposited goods, such as deposit bottles, are insecure against counterfeiting and require complex mechanical systems, making them prone to errors and unsuitable for objects of different sizes, especially when they are not in a resting position.

Innovation Solution

A method using a guide tube with a luminescent substance where the dynamic luminescence behavior is analyzed during the movement of the deposit through the tube, allowing for secure and orientation-independent identification of various sizes without mechanical transport, utilizing a detector ring for isotropic analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional identifying features (barcodes, markers) are used on deposit bottles, then identification can be performed, but the system is vulnerable to counterfeiting and the features become illegible due to material aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against counterfeitingVSAvoidillegibility of identifying features
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the identification approach from static visual features (barcodes, markers) to dynamic luminescence parameters. The luminescent substance exhibits characteristic emission spectra and decay times that serve as unique identifiers. These parameters are intrinsic to the substance and cannot be easily replicated or degraded, providing secure and reliable identification that resists counterfeiting and material aging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/visual identification systems (barcodes, markers requiring line-of-sight and specific positioning) with an optical luminescence-based system. The identification is achieved through measuring luminescence intensity and temporal decay characteristics, eliminating the need for physical markers that can become illegible or be forged.

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

2Measurement precision

If mechanical transport devices (conveyor belts, rotating mechanisms) are used to position deposit items for analysis, then identification can be performed, but the system becomes complex, slow, and unsuitable for objects of different sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidmechanical transport system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the deposit bottle to serve itself by containing the luminescent substance within its structure. The bottle's own movement through the guide tube, driven by gravity, is sufficient to present the luminescent material to the detection system. No external mechanical positioning or orientation mechanisms are required, as the luminescence detection works regardless of the bottle's orientation or position in the tube.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical transport and positioning systems with a simple gravity-driven guide tube and optical detection system. The identification is performed by detecting luminescence properties as the bottle moves freely through the tube, eliminating conveyors, rotators, and other mechanical positioning devices.

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

3Measurement precision

If deposit bottles must be in a stationary position during analysis, then identification can be performed, but the throughput is reduced and the system cannot handle varying bottle sizes efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidthroughput of deposit items
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static identification (requiring stationary bottles) to dynamic identification. The system measures luminescence properties while the bottle is in motion through the guide tube. The detection system captures temporal decay characteristics that are independent of the bottle's position or speed, enabling continuous processing and high throughput while maintaining accurate identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If a single device must identify returnable items of varying sizes, then versatility is improved, but conventional methods require multiple devices or complex adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling of various object sizesVSAvoidsingle device capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal identification system where a single guide tube and detection apparatus can handle deposit bottles of various sizes. The luminescence detection method is size-independent, and the guide tube design allows bottles of different dimensions to pass through and be identified. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method enhances security against counterfeiting and enables efficient, reliable identification of diverse deposit sizes, improving throughput by eliminating the need for precise alignment and mechanical handling.

Implementation Method 1

analyzing the dynamic luminescence behavior of a luminescent substance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Implementation Method 2

means for analyzing the dynamic luminescence behavior of a luminescent substance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3616171B2Method for identifying deposit material
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 POLYSECURE

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for identifying deposit material, comprising the following steps: providing a device, comprising: a guide tube in a substantially upright position, which has an inlet and an outlet; and means for analyzing the dynamic luminescence behavior of a luminescent substance; wherein the means for analyzing the dynamic luminescence behavior of the luminescent substance are arranged so as to analyze the dynamic luminescence behavior of the luminescent substance in the guide tube even if said luminescent substance is moving; introducing deposit material containing the luminescent substance into the guide tube through the inlet; analyzing the dynamic luminescence behavior of the luminescent substance contained in the deposit material, by using the means for analyzing the dynamic luminescence behavior of the luminescent substance; and classifying the deposit material in accordance with the result of the analysis.