Flexible Multilayer Foil with Integrated Sensor and Display Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multilayer flexible films for packaging and labeling lack the ability to provide dynamic optical effects and integrated functions, such as sensor activation, which limits their interactive and informative capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer flexible film body with a decorative layer system that includes sensor elements for detecting external activation signals, connected to a display element via an electronic circuit, allowing for selective and targeted activation of optical effects using various energy sources like electromagnetic fields, sound, or pressure, and featuring energy sources like electrochemical batteries or organic solar cells to power display elements such as electrochromic or electroluminescent materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multilayer flexible film body is equipped with sensor elements, electronic circuits, and display elements to provide dynamic optical effects and integrated functions, then the functionality and interactivity of the packaging are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensor elements, electronic circuits, and display elements into a single integrated multilayer flexible film body structure. Multiple functional layers (carrier layer, decorative layer system with sensor elements, electronic circuit layer, display element layer) are merged into one cohesive package, allowing the film to simultaneously perform packaging, sensing, and display functions without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The multilayer flexible film body is designed to perform multiple functions within a single structure: it serves as packaging material, contains sensor elements for detecting external activation signals (electromagnetic fields, sound, pressure, temperature), includes electronic circuits for signal processing, and incorporates display elements for visual output. This multi-functionality allows the same film structure to adapt to various applications including authentication, monitoring, and interactive packaging.
2Loss of information
If the decorative layer system includes sensor elements and display elements for dynamic optical effects, then the information visibility and visual impact are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative layer system is segmented into distinct functional layers: sensor elements layer, electronic circuit layer, and display element layer. Each layer is designed and manufactured separately with its specific functional requirements, then integrated into the complete film body. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes for each layer while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the electronic circuit layer is positioned between the sensor elements layer and the display element layer. The carrier layer provides the base structure, and all functional layers are nested within or upon it, creating a compact multilayer configuration where each layer contributes its specific function while being integrated into the unified film body structure.
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 optically dynamic labels and packaging that can be activated to reveal information or change appearance in response to external stimuli, providing enhanced visual effects and additional functions like product authentication and monitoring, while maintaining visibility once activated.
Implementation Method 1
sensor element for detecting an external activation signal... The following energy sources and influences can be used as activation signals: alternating electromagnetic field, in particular HF or RF fields
Implementation Method 2
display element... optically recognizable information... electrochromic or electroluminescent materials
Implementation Method 3
display element... electrochromic or electroluminescent materials
Implementation Method 4
energy sources like electrochemical batteries
Implementation Method 5
energy sources like electrochemical batteries or organic solar cells
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a multilayer flexible foil body (6), particularly a label foil, or a packaging foil, and to a product identification system and uses of such foil bodies. The foil body (6) has a carrier layer and a decorative layer system (11) providing optically recognizable information. A plurality of layers of the decorative layer system form an electronically controlled display element (65), by the activation of which the optically recognizable information becomes visible.