Layered Label Structure with Electrochromic Timer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing product labels lack the ability to dynamically convey information, as they are typically static and cannot be easily modified to include active images or functionality without significant changes to manufacturing processes and costs, limiting their ability to provide variable information visually to both humans and machines.

Innovation Solution

A thin, layered label structure with an embedded active display formed using electrochromic ink and electrodes, which can change appearance in response to actuating events such as power activation or sensor inputs, allowing for low-cost, high-volume production through printing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional printing processes are used for labels, then production cost is very low and production volume is high, but the labels cannot dynamically change information and remain static once produced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to dynamically change informationVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines traditional printing processes with electrochromic materials and thin-film electronics to create a hybrid label that maintains the low-cost, high-volume production benefits of printing while adding dynamic information display capabilities through electrochromic layers that can be manufactured using the same printing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrochromic materials in the label allow dynamic parameter changes in terms of optical properties (color, transparency) in response to electrical stimuli, enabling the label to transition from static printed information to dynamically changeable visual displays without fundamentally altering the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional display technologies (LCDs, OLEDs) are used in labels, then active image functionality is achieved, but production cost increases significantly and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive image functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin-film electrochromic devices that can be produced as disposable, low-cost components using printing processes, replacing expensive conventional display technologies with simpler, single-use electrochromic elements that achieve active image functionality without requiring complex manufacturing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical assembly processes required for conventional displays with printing-based deposition of electrochromic materials and thin-film electronics, eliminating complex mechanical assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining active display capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If thermochromic or photochromic inks are used, then active image components are added to labels, but extreme environmental changes are required to alter the image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive image capabilityVSAvoidextreme environmental changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from environmental parameter-based activation (temperature for thermochromic, light intensity for photochromic) to electrical parameter-based activation for electrochromic materials, allowing image alteration through controlled electrical signals rather than requiring extreme environmental conditions, thus providing more practical and controllable active image functionality

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

Enables the creation of flexible, low-cost labels that can visually convey information to humans and machines, with the ability to change images in response to various stimuli, overcoming the limitations of traditional static labels and existing display technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The display is formed with a layer of electrochromic ink and a pair of spaced apart electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS7821794B2Layered label structure with timer

Publication Date: 2010.10.26 AVESO INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a thin, layered, variable label structure with built-in electronic functionality. The display and/or other functional elements in the structure may be formed by printing processes. The label structure includes a thin, layered structure with an active display, comprising a base layer and a cover layer of material and a display component situated between the base layer and the cover layer. The display is formed with a layer of electrochromic ink and a pair of spaced apart electrodes. The cover layer includes a window to allow for the layer of electrochromic ink to be visible through the cover layer. The label also is configured to respond to an actuating event by completing an electrical connection between a power source and the pair of spaced apart electrodes of the display component, thereby causing the display to change its appearance. The actuating event may include a variety of occurrences, such as: pressing a switch on the label, introducing a power source to activate the display, and a sensor sensing a condition near the label.