Photochromic Package with Removable UV Protector for Multi-Instance Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging containers lack effective multi-instance authentication features, making them vulnerable to counterfeiting and unable to verify authenticity multiple times.
Innovation Solution
A package with a non-removable photochromic material that changes appearance upon UV exposure, protected by a UV protector with removable portions, allowing multiple authentications and irreversible changes to deter counterfeiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a photochromic material is used for authentication, then authentication capability is provided, but the material can be prematurely exposed to UV light causing false authentication
Solution Approach 1:
A UV-protective coating is applied as an intermediary layer between the photochromic material and the external environment. This coating selectively blocks UV light while allowing visible light to pass through, preventing premature activation of the photochromic material while preserving its authentication function when properly exposed.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-protective coating is applied selectively to specific areas of the container where photochromic material is present. Different regions of the container have different optical properties - areas with the coating block UV light while areas without allow exposure, enabling controlled authentication zones.
2Reliability
If the photochromic material is exposed to UV light for authentication, then authentication is revealed, but the material undergoes irreversible change preventing reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts that the photochromic material undergoes irreversible change during authentication and is designed for single-use authentication. The material is replaced or replenished after authentication, similar to disposable items, ensuring each authentication event is unique and cannot be repeated.
3Device complexity
If a single-instance authentication system is used, then simplicity is maintained, but multi-instance authentication and anti-counterfeiting capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is segmented into multiple functional components: UV-protective coating, photochromic material, and authentication indicators. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing robust multiinstance authentication and anti-counterfeiting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different materials with complementary properties - UV-blocking coating materials, photochromic materials, and visible light transparent materials - to create a composite authentication system that achieves both simplicity and enhanced anti-counterfeiting capability.
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
Enables multiple authentications by revealing unique identification codes, providing evidence of use and preventing counterfeiting, while ensuring the photochromic material's integrity is not compromised.
Implementation Method 1
a photochromic material non-removably carried by the container and irreversibly changeable upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
Implementation Method 2
a UV protector carried over the photochromic material to protect the photochromic material from premature exposure to the UV light
Data Source
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AI summary
A package (10, 110) for multi -instance photosensitive authentication includes a container (12, 112), and a photochromic material (14, 114) non-removably carried by the container and irreversibly changeable upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The package also includes a UV protector (18, 118) carried over the photochromic material to protect the photochromic material from premature exposure to the UV light, and having multiple portions that are removable to expose multiple portions of the photochromic material to UV light and are irreplaceable once removed.