Laminated Indicator Device for CO2 and Oxygen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indicator devices for detecting carbon dioxide and oxygen in packaging are unstable when exposed to water and organic solvents, leading to leaching issues and unsuitability for modern printing processes and packaging applications, and they require complex activation methods, making them impractical for use in the food industry.
Innovation Solution
A laminate indicator device with a semi-permeable barrier section and a redox-sensitive material that changes color in response to carbon dioxide, oxygen, or other atmospheric agents, integrated into a multi-layered structure with adhesive layers and a substrate, allowing controlled exposure and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redox-sensitive indicator materials are used for detecting atmospheric conditions, then detection capability is improved, but stability when exposed to water and organic solvents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A water-soluble polymer is introduced as an intermediary substance that forms a complex with the redox-sensitive indicator material. This polymer mediator provides water solubility and stability to the otherwise unstable indicator, allowing it to function reliably in aqueous and organic solvent environments without losing its detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator composition is formulated as a composite material combining the redox-sensitive indicator with a water-soluble polymer. This composite structure integrates the detection functionality of the indicator with the stabilizing and solubilizing properties of the polymer, creating a material that exhibits both detection capability and environmental stability
2Ease of manufacture
If simple indicator structures are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but suitability for modern printing processes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The formulation parameters of the indicator composition are modified by incorporating water-soluble polymers and adjusting the chemical composition to ensure compatibility with modern printing processes. This allows the indicator to be applied using standard printing techniques while maintaining its detection functionality
3Measurement precision
If complex activation methods are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator composition is designed to activate automatically through self-service mechanisms, such as spontaneous redox reactions or environmental triggers, eliminating the need for complex external activation procedures. This maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing device complexity
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 device provides accurate and stable detection of carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, preventing food spoilage by indicating the freshness and safety of packaged goods, while being suitable for various packaging types and printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The intimate contact of the various components of the indicator allows the redox sensitive material to undergo a redox reaction wherein there is a transfer of electrons from the photogenerated reduced form of the semiconductor material to the redox sensitive material
Implementation Method 2
the photogenerated reduced form of the semiconductor material
Implementation Method 3
The semiconductor material has the ability to form an excited electronic state that is sufficiently oxidising to oxidize the sacrificial electron donor
Implementation Method 4
the indicator material displays different visible properties in different atmospheric conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described an indicator device for detecting a change in atmospheric conditions, the indicator device comprising an indicator section and a barrier section adjacent thereto, said indicator section comprising: an indicator material;a substrate material; and a first adhesive layer; the indicator material and the substrate material being incorporated into one or more layers; wherein the indicator material displays different visible properties in different atmospheric conditions, and wherein the barrier section provides a semi-permeable seal configured to allow controlled flow to the indicator of an atmospheric agent that effects a change in visible properties of the indicator material. There is also described a method for preparing an indicator device, and products derived therefrom. The indicator device may be used to detect oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, an amine and/or ammonia, or to indicate the passage of time.