Photochromic Container with UV Protector for Tamper Evidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current containers lack effective anti-counterfeit and tamper-evident features to prevent refilling with inferior products, making it difficult to distinguish between original and repackaged products.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a photochromic material that darkens upon exposure to UV light, combined with a UV protector to safeguard the material until the container is opened, providing a visible indication of use or tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a photochromic material is applied to the container to indicate use through darkening, then tamper-evident capability is improved, but the material may inadvertently darken during storage or transport due to UV exposure
Solution Approach 1:
A UV-absorbing ink is applied over the photochromic material to act as a protective intermediary layer. This ink selectively blocks UV radiation from reaching the photochromic material during storage and transport, preventing inadvertent darkening. When the container is opened for use, the UV-absorbing ink is removed or degraded, allowing UV light to reach the photochromic material and trigger the darkening response that indicates tampering or use.
2Illumination intensity
If the photochromic material is exposed to UV light to darken and indicate use, then visibility of tampering is improved, but the container cannot be stored or transported with the indicator visible
Solution Approach 1:
The photochromic material is pre-applied to the container in its clear state before storage or transport. A UV-absorbing protective layer is then applied over it to prevent premature activation. Only when the container is opened for use does the protective layer get removed or degraded, allowing UV light to activate the photochromic material and create the visible darkening indicator of tampering or use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a UV protector is applied over the photochromic material to prevent premature darkening, then stability during storage is improved, but the complexity of the package structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-absorbing protective layer is formulated with ink that has distinct color properties. This colored layer serves dual purposes: it blocks UV radiation to protect the photochromic material during storage, and its presence or absence provides visual information about the container's status. The color change properties of both the protective ink and the photochromic material work together to provide tamper evidence without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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 effectively deters counterfeiting by providing a visible sign of product use or tampering, allowing consumers to identify genuine from repackaged products, thereby reducing the incentive for counterfeiters.
Implementation Method 1
a photochromic material carried by the container and responsive to ultraviolet (UV) light so as to darken upon exposure thereto
Implementation Method 2
a UV protector over the photochromic material to protect the photochromic material from exposure to UV light
Data Source
AI summary
A product includes a container, a photosensitive material carried by the container and responsive to ultraviolet light, and a UV protector carried by the container to protect the photosensitive material from exposure to UV light. A method of producing a food or beverage container includes applying a photochromic material to a food or beverage container that is responsive to ultraviolet (UV) light so as to darken upon exposure thereto, and protecting at least a portion of the photochromic material from exposure to UV light.