Laboratory Container Opaque Layer for Machine-Readable Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for the pharmaceutical laboratory sector with machine-readable labels are prone to damage, making the labels unreadable, and their production is complex and costly due to the need for multiple layers and precise recess creation.
Innovation Solution
A container with a one-piece body featuring an opaque layer and local material changes that form a reading area, allowing machine-readable data to be detected through optical contrast, which is more durable and cost-effective to produce.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a machine-readable label is applied to the container surface, then container identification is enabled, but the label becomes vulnerable to damage and unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The machine-readable data is integrated directly into the container body structure rather than being applied as a separate label. The marking is formed by material changes (such as carbonization or foaming) within the container material itself, merging the identification function with the structural material to eliminate label damage issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a physical label that can be damaged, the invention creates an optical copy of the identification data by forming material changes that reflect light differently. The machine-readable data is encoded through optical property changes in the material rather than through physical label application.
2Measurement precision
If multiple layers are applied to create machine-readable data, then readability is improved through color contrast, but production complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container body has localized material changes at specific positions to form the machine-readable data, while the rest of the container maintains its original material properties. This allows the marking to be created through localized carbonization or foaming rather than applying multiple layers across the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the container material locally by inducing material changes such as carbonization or foaming. These parameter changes create light absorption or reflection differences that form the machine-readable data without requiring multiple coating layers.
3Measurement precision
If recesses are created in the container surface for machine-readable data, then optical contrast is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical recess creation with a thermal or chemical process. Instead of mechanically cutting or molding recesses that require high precision, the marking is created through localized material changes induced by laser carbonization or controlled foaming, which are more tolerant to manufacturing variations.
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 solution provides reliable and cost-effective machine-readable labeling that is resistant to damage and easier to produce, enabling efficient identification of containers using optical readers.
Implementation Method 1
a layer (2) which is opaque to an optical reading device... the machine-readable data can be detected from the outside by an optical reading device due to the optical contrast between the material change and the opaque layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Container (10, 10') for laboratory use, comprising: a body (1) with a layer (2) applied to the body which is opaque for an optical reader and which has recesses (21) in the form of machine-readable data, wherein the body (1) has at least one local material modification (3), and wherein the material modification (3) together with the opaque layer (2) forms a reading area (6) in which, due to the optical contrast between the material modification (3) and the opaque layer (2), the machine-readable data can be detected from the outside by an optical reader.