Measuring Cup Dosing Marks Using Laser-Modified Bitmaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring cups for household products face challenges in production speed, cost, durability of measure marks, and perceptibility, especially in low-light conditions, due to printing, in-mold labeling, and molded marks.

Innovation Solution

A measuring cup with a bitmapped pattern on the sidewall, created using a laser to chemically or structurally modify the surface with bits, allowing for high-speed, cost-effective, and durable mark production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If printing is used to provide measure marks on plastic measuring cups, then the measure marks can be applied to the surface, but the process is slow and printed marks are subject to wear and tear which deteriorates the marks during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasure mark applicationVSAvoidmeasure mark durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical printing process with laser marking technology. The laser beam directly modifies the plastic material surface to create permanent measure marks without physical contact, eliminating the wear and tear issues associated with printed marks while enabling high-speed production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the plastic surface through laser-induced chemical or structural modification. The laser energy alters the molecular structure of the plastic at the marked locations, creating permanently visible and durable measure marks that resist deterioration during washing and use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If in-mold labels are used to provide measure marks, then the marks are integrated into the measuring cup, but specialized equipment is required and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasure mark integrationVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex in-mold labeling mechanical system with a laser marking system. The laser directly writes the measure marks onto the molded measuring cup surface after formation, eliminating the need for specialized label handling equipment and reducing production complexity while maintaining mark integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If molded marks are used on the measuring cup, then the marks are durable and integrated, but specially shaped molds are required and changes to measure marks require expensive new molds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasure mark durabilityVSAvoidmeasure mark flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical molding process with laser marking. This allows measure marks to be applied after the measuring cup is molded, enabling easy changes to mark designs, positions, or values by simply reprogramming the laser system without requiring expensive new molds, thereby providing full adaptability while maintaining durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the measure mark system. The laser marking parameters, patterns, and positions can be dynamically adjusted and reprogrammed for different products or formulations, allowing rapid adaptation without physical retooling, thus achieving both durability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If molded marks are used on the measuring cup, then the marks are durable, but they are challenging for users to perceive in poorly lit environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasure mark durabilityVSAvoidmeasure mark perceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes laser-induced color changes in the plastic material. The laser marking process creates contrast by altering the optical properties of the plastic surface, producing dark or light marks depending on the material response, which are highly visible and easily perceptible in various lighting conditions while maintaining durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color 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

The laser-marked bitmapped pattern provides durable and easily readable measure marks, enabling faster production and improved readability in various lighting conditions.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of said dosing indicium comprises a bitmapped pattern of chemically or structurally modified bits of said sidewall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser chemical or structural modification: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12449295B2Measuring cup having a bitmapped pattern

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A measuring cup including a bottom end and an open end opposite the bottom end; a sidewall extending from said bottom end to the open end, wherein the sidewall has an interior surface; and a dosing indicium integral with the interior surface, wherein at least a portion of the dosing indicium includes a bitmapped pattern of chemically or structurally modified bits of the sidewall, wherein the bitmapped pattern includes at least two rows of bits.