Reusable Container Tracking via Dual Marking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable beverage containers cannot be tracked throughout their entire life cycle due to label-based identification codes being removed during cleaning processes, preventing the tracking of multiple cycles and storage of their life history.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two linked markings on containers, where a first marking is applied non-destructively and uniquely identifies the container, and a second marking is applied based on the first, allowing contactless optical reading and storage of information in a database, enabling tracking even after label removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a label-based identification code is used on reusable containers, then the container can be identified during initial use, but the identification is lost after cleaning processes remove the label
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into two parts: a permanent first marking applied directly to the container body that survives cleaning processes, and a temporary second marking on the label that provides additional information. This segmentation ensures continuous tracking capability throughout the container's lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The first marking is applied to the container in advance during manufacturing, before the label is attached. This preliminary action ensures that the permanent identification is already in place and can be read even after the label is removed during cleaning processes.
2Reliability
If the first marking is applied during container production, then unique identification is established early, but the marking must remain visible when labels are later attached
Solution Approach 1:
The first marking is applied to a specific location on the container body that is optimized for both visibility during manufacturing and accessibility for reading after label application. This local quality ensures the marking remains functional despite label attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary database that stores the relationship between the first marking and the second marking. This intermediary allows the markings to be connected even when not simultaneously visible, resolving the conflict between early marking application and later label attachment.
3Reliability
If two markings are applied to containers with linked information, then complete life cycle tracking is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marking system is designed to be universal, where the same first marking serves multiple purposes: providing unique identification during manufacturing, enabling tracking throughout the container's lifecycle, and linking to multiple second markings that may be applied at different stages. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical copying and data storage techniques where the information from the first marking is copied and stored in a database, and the second marking contains or links to this copied information. This copying approach simplifies the physical marking system while maintaining complete tracking 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 the complete life cycle tracking of reusable bottles, allowing assessment of usage cycles and storage in a database, ensuring continuous identification and monitoring of containers.
Implementation Method 1
the first marking is determined (or read out) in a contactless manner and in particular optically determined. This can take place, for example, by means of a camera or another image recording device.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for treating containers and, in particular reusable containers, having the steps of: providing a container having at least one first marking which identifies this container; determining at least one first information associated with said first marking, applying a second marking to the container, wherein the second marking is created taking into account the first marking and/or the determined information.