Plastic Container Micro-Structured Surface for Tamper-Resistant Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic containers lack effective means to verify authenticity and origin, as traditional labeling methods can be easily tampered with or obscured, and existing solutions are not resistant to mechanical stress or have resolution issues with fine details.
Innovation Solution
A plastic container with a micro-structured surface featuring elevations and recesses with sharp transitions (radii ≤ 5 μm) that incorporate machine-readable information, such as QR codes or barcodes, allowing for the concealment of identifying features and manufacturer information, which can be read using optical systems and processed through image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional labeling methods (printing, laser marking, attaching labels) are used to indicate container authenticity, then identification information can be provided, but the labels can be easily switched, tampered with, or obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification information directly into the container wall structure itself through integrated mold inserts, rather than using separate labels or surface markings. The identifying features are formed as integral parts of the container during the molding process, making them impossible to remove or tamper with without destroying the container itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification features are incorporated into the container during the initial molding process using integrated mold inserts, before the container leaves the production line. This preliminary integration ensures that the authenticating features are built-in from the start and cannot be added or altered later.
2Loss of information
If fine detailed markings are applied to containers to provide identification codes, then more information can be conveyed, but the markings become difficult to apply and are not resistant to mechanical action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the identification marking process with the container molding process itself. High-resolution identifying features are formed directly into the container wall during injection molding using precision mold inserts, eliminating the need for separate marking operations and ensuring the markings are as durable as the container itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces post-production marking methods (printing, laser marking, label attachment) with an integrated molding process. The identification features are created through the molding process itself, which can produce high-resolution details that are mechanically robust and resistant to wear or damage.
3Reliability
If destroyable quality seals are placed on containers to indicate product authenticity, then some information about content authenticity can be provided, but this indicates nothing about the origin of the bottle itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the container origin identification with the container structure itself. Unique identifying features are integrated into the bottle wall during molding, providing permanent proof of the bottle's origin and manufacturer, separate from any quality seals or labels that may indicate content authenticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the authentication system into two distinct components: (1) integrated mold inserts that provide unique origin identification embedded in the container wall, and (2) separate quality seals or labels that indicate content authenticity. This segmentation allows both types of information to be provided independently and verified separately.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a plastic container (100) having a container wall (102) with an outside (10) and an inside. A surface (11) of the outside (10) has a structure at least in a first region (30). Said structure is formed by elevations (31) and/or recesses (32). Each elevation (31) or recess (32) has one or more boundary faces (33). Each transition from a first boundary face (33) to a second boundary face (33) or to the surface (11) of the container wall (102) has a radius, which is less than or equal to 5 μm. The invention also relates to a method for determining a property of a plastic container and verifying the authenticity.