Printed Resonant Container Surfaces for Product State Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID and near-field labels are unable to provide ongoing automatic status checks on product state information, such as quantity, potency, or staleness, within a consumer's residence or vehicle, limiting their ability to sense more than mere product identification.
Innovation Solution
The use of electromagnetic state sensing devices (EMSSDs) with carbon-based inks printed on container surfaces, which resonate at different frequencies to indicate product presence, state, and identification, allowing for product-specific information to be sensed and relayed to mobile or stationary devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional RFID and near-field labels are used, then product identification is achieved, but product state information sensing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the same container surface to serve multiple purposes: traditional RFID identification and new electromagnetic state sensing for product monitoring. The carbon-based resonant structures are integrated with the container to simultaneously provide identification and state information capabilities, allowing one system to perform multiple functions that were previously separate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by detecting product state information through frequency shifts in electromagnetic resonance. Different product states (presence, quantity, potency, staleness) cause measurable changes in the resonant frequency parameters of the carbon-based structures, enabling the system to distinguish between different states by monitoring parameter variations rather than requiring separate sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple resonance portions with different carbon-based inks are used, then product state sensing capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different carbon-based inks with distinct electromagnetic resonance characteristics at different locations on the container surface. Each resonance portion is designed with specific local properties (different carbon ink compositions, structures, or geometries) to respond to different product states, allowing precise localized sensing while maintaining an integrated manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining carbon-based inks with the container substrate to create resonant structures. The carbon-based materials (which may include various forms of carbon such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, or carbon particles) are composite with the container material, creating an integrated sensing surface that leverages the properties of both materials to achieve electromagnetic resonance for state detection.
3Extent of automation
If autonomous monitoring systems with EMSSDs are implemented, then real-time product state monitoring is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the container itself as the sensing device. The carbon-based resonant structures are integrated directly into the container, allowing the container to autonomously sense product state information without requiring separate external sensors or complex monitoring equipment. The container structure performs the sensing function, reducing system complexity while enabling autonomous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensing functionality with the container structure by integrating carbon-based resonant portions directly into the container surface. This combination eliminates the need for separate sensing devices and reduces overall system complexity, as the container simultaneously serves as both the packaging and the sensing apparatus for autonomous product monitoring.
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
EMSSDs enable autonomous monitoring systems to provide real-time product state information, facilitating inventory management and replenishment by detecting changes in product state, such as level, spoilage, or expiration, without requiring human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The resonance portions can be caused to resonate at different frequencies, such that a first resonance portion resonates at a first frequency in response to a first electromagnetic radiation ping, and a second resonance portion resonates at a second frequency in response to a second electromagnetic radiation ping
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a surface defining a volume of the container, a first resonance portion disposed on a first portion of the surface of the container using one or more first carbon-based inks, and a second resonance portion disposed on a second portion of the surface of the container using one or more second carbon-based inks different than the one or more first carbon-based inks. The first resonance portion can resonate within a first range of frequencies in response to one or more electromagnetic pings received from a user device, and the second resonance portion can resonate within a second range of frequencies in response to the one or more electromagnetic pings, the second range of frequencies being different than the first range of frequencies. In some instances, the user device may be a smartphone, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, or a near-field communication (NFC) device.