Glass Container Graphic Data Carrier Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass container manufacturing methods require separate graphic data carrier labels, which can be inconvenient and may not be optically readable directly on the container surface.
Innovation Solution
Integrating an optically readable graphic data carrier into glass containers by exposing them to electromagnetic radiation to create discoloration patterns, followed by selective removal using focused beam energy to form desired designs like QR codes or barcodes directly into the glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate graphic data carrier label is applied to the container, then the data carrier can be attached to the container surface, but the labeling process becomes complex and the data carrier is not optically readable directly on the glass surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the graphic data carrier with the glass container itself by creating permanent discoloration patterns directly in the glass material through radiation exposure. This eliminates the need for separate labels and integrates the data carrier functionality into the container structure, achieving both optical readability and process simplification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical labeling process (applying separate labels) with a radiation-based chemical/physical process that directly modifies the glass material. This substitution eliminates the complexity of label application while ensuring permanent, optically readable data integration
2Ease of manufacture
If electromagnetic radiation is used to create discoloration patterns in the glass, then graphic data carriers can be integrated directly into the glass surface, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electromagnetic radiation to create the complete discoloration pattern in a single preliminary action, rather than requiring multiple sequential steps for label application, alignment, and attachment. This preliminary creation of the full graphic data carrier pattern simplifies the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the optical properties of glass through radiation-induced discoloration, transforming the material's characteristics to create permanent, optically readable data carriers. This parameter change approach integrates data carrier creation into the existing glass manufacturing process flow
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
Eliminates the need for separate labels by embedding graphic data carriers within the glass, ensuring they are optically readable and uniquely serialized for each container.
Implementation Method 1
exposing a glass container to electromagnetic radiation to produce discoloration within the glass of the container
Implementation Method 2
directing focused beam energy at the glass container in a pattern corresponding to a desired graphic data carrier to heat the glass
Implementation Method 3
selectively remove the discoloration in a pattern corresponding to the desired graphic data carrier
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method of making a glass container (10) with an optically readable graphic data carrier (14). The glass container is exposed to electromagnetic radiation (28) to produce discoloration within the glass of the container, and then focused beam energy (38) is directed at the glass container in a pattern corresponding to a desired graphic data carrier to heat the glass and selectively remove the discoloration in the pattern corresponding to the desired graphic data carrier.