Embedded 3D Marking in Medical Containers Without Glass Weakening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying medical containers and finished articles are ineffective in preventing fraud and tampering, as external markings can be easily modified or destroyed, and internal laser markings can weaken the substrate, which is unacceptable for medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A method that integrates a three-dimensional marking zone into the substrate of medical containers, using coherent monochromatic radiation to create an identification code that is then annealed to reduce internal tension, ensuring the mark is indelible and does not compromise the container's mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external marking, labelling, printing, or etching is used to identify containers, then identification is achieved, but the information can be modified, destroyed, damaged, removed, copied, or falsified
Solution Approach 1:
The identification marking is embedded within the container wall substrate itself, nesting the identification information inside the structural material. This integration ensures the marking cannot be removed or tampered with separately from the container, solving the reliability issue while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through direct incorporation during the forming process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a photorefractive marking by using light to induce a permanent refractive index change in the glass substrate, effectively copying the identification pattern into the material's optical properties. This optical copying method embeds the information at the molecular level, preventing physical removal or falsification while maintaining ease of manufacture through non-contact processing
2Reliability
If laser illumination is used to create a marking within the container wall, then identification is integrated into the substrate, but the substrate is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or thermal laser marking processes with a photorefractive optical process. Instead of physically ablating or melting the glass with high-power lasers, the invention uses lower-power coherent light to induce refractive index changes through photoexcitation, thereby substituting a mechanical/thermal system with an optical field effect that preserves substrate integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter used for marking from mechanical removal or thermal alteration to optical refractive index modification. By altering the glass's optical parameters rather than its mechanical structure, the marking is integrated into the substrate without compromising mechanical strength, achieving both reliability and strength preservation
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
This method provides a secure, indelible identification system that prevents fraud and maintains the mechanical integrity of medical containers, enabling traceability from manufacturer to point of use without the risk of falsification.
Implementation Method 1
The marking zone is illuminated with a beam of coherent monochromatic light to which the substrate is at least partially transparent, so as to generate an identification code
Implementation Method 2
at least the marking zone is annealed by heating it to a second temperature strictly above the first temperature so as at least to reduce the differences in internal tension in the substrate
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a container (1) for medical or diagnostic use, intended to hold a product (10) of interest, in divided or undivided solid, gel, powder or liquid form, characterized in that at least one wall (3) of the said container (1) is provided with at least one two-dimensional or three-dimensional marking zone (4) in which at least one identification code (5) is reproduced so as to be readable. The invention further relates to an injection device comprising such a container.