Smart packaging, systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking and packaging systems lack precise control over energy delivery to package contents, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, as they do not adequately customize heating based on specific contents, fail to validate package integrity, and lack authentication mechanisms to ensure genuine products.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of smart packaging with a package intelligence and communication module (PICM) that includes a machine-readable element, such as an RFID tag or NFC, to store and transmit a unique identifier, allowing for precise control of energy delivery, validation, and authentication, using thermodynamic response characteristics modeled during manufacturing to optimize heating processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If induction cooking applies the same energy transfer process to any conductive object, then the heating appliance can be simple and universal, but the energy delivery is imprecise and cannot be customized to specific package contents requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing thermodynamic response characteristics and heating parameters for different package types in a database before the heating process. The system retrieves pre-determined energy delivery profiles based on package identification, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and enabling precise customized heating without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the actual heating response of package contents and comparing it against expected thermodynamic responses. This feedback loop allows the control system to adjust energy delivery in real-time to achieve precise temperature control tailored to specific package contents, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Productivity
If microwave heating uses high power (1500 watts) to heat package contents quickly, then the heating speed is fast, but the energy consumption is excessive when only 60 watts is actually needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heating power variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the energy delivery rate based on real-time monitoring of package contents temperature and thermodynamic response characteristics. This enables the system to deliver high power when needed for rapid heating and reduce power when sufficient temperature is achieved, optimizing both heating speed and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power parameter dynamically during the heating process based on feedback from temperature sensors and pre-stored thermodynamic profiles. By adjusting power levels from 60 watts to 1500 watts or any intermediate value based on actual requirements, the system achieves optimal heating efficiency without excessive energy consumption.
3Reliability
If automated cooking systems are implemented without package validation, then the system operation is simple, but safety issues arise from heating unwanted or counterfeit objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing package validation and authentication before the heating process begins. The system reads and verifies package identifiers against a database of authorized packages, checking for counterfeit or unwanted objects prior to energy delivery. This preliminary security check ensures safety without requiring complex continuous monitoring during heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary validation layer between package identification and heating execution. This intermediary layer verifies package authenticity and retrieves appropriate heating parameters from a database, acting as a mediator that ensures safety while keeping the overall system architecture manageable and modular.
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
This solution enables efficient, safe, and controlled heating of package contents, reduces energy consumption, and ensures the authenticity and integrity of packaged products, improving the overall cooking experience and safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
a machine-readable element, such as an RFID tag or NFC
Implementation Method 2
a machine-readable element, such as an RFID tag or NFC
Implementation Method 3
induction heating stoves, cooktops, cookers and ranges
Implementation Method 4
energy transfer, typically by induction, to a receptor or cooking vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Various smart package configurations may include a package intelligence and communication module (PICM) intelligently interacting with smart heating appliances and users. A thermodynamic load profile may correlate thermodynamic response characteristics of the package and be stored in or associated with a unique identifier in the PICM. The TLP enables efficient and safe heating of packages on a smart appliance as well as package validation and authentication. Package configurations also include structural elements for efficient heating of food, beverage, cosmetic and personal care products.