Irreversible Thermochromic Indicator for Delivery Temperature Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in determining whether perishable products have maintained recommended temperature ranges during the supply chain delivery process, especially when they are exposed to uncontrolled temperature environments, making it difficult for customers to ensure product safety upon receipt.
Innovation Solution
An irreversible thermochromic indicator is affixed to the products, which changes color irreversibly when the temperature exceeds a threshold, allowing customers to visually verify temperature compliance by checking the indicator's color change upon delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional temperature monitoring methods are used during delivery, then temperature compliance can be tracked, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermochromic indicators that undergo color changes in response to temperature variations. These indicators are integrated into the packaging or product container, providing visual temperature compliance information without requiring complex electronic monitoring systems. The color change occurs when the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, enabling simple customer verification of temperature compliance during delivery.
2Reliability
If complex temperature monitoring systems are implemented, then temperature compliance can be verified, but ease of operation for customers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermochromic indicators are designed to automatically respond to temperature changes without requiring customer intervention or specialized equipment. The indicators perform the monitoring function themselves, changing color when temperature thresholds are exceeded. Customers simply need to visually inspect the indicator to verify temperature compliance, making the process intuitive and accessible to all users.
3Reliability
If detailed temperature monitoring is provided, then product safety can be ensured, but loss of information occurs when temperature fluctuates above and below thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The thermochromic indicators are pre-calibrated to change color at specific temperature thresholds relevant to product safety. Once the indicator changes color due to temperature exposure, it maintains that color state, providing a permanent record of the temperature excursion. This preliminary color change action ensures that even temporary temperature violations are captured and cannot be missed during customer inspection.
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
The solution provides a simple and effective means for customers to confirm if products have been within safe temperature ranges during delivery, enhancing confidence in product safety and quality by clearly indicating any temperature deviations.
Implementation Method 1
an irreversible thermochromic indicator that has a color change from a first color to a second color when a temperature of the irreversible thermochromic indicator increases above an activation temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein for alerting customers to product temperature compliance during delivery whereby a retail product intended to be maintained below one or more temperature threshold values through a supply chain delivery process is identified, a temperature threshold value of the retail product is determined, an irreversible thermochromic indicator having an activation temperature that corresponds to the temperature threshold value of the retail product is identified, the thermochromic indicator is affixed to the retail product prior to commencing the supply chain delivery process, and verification, via a user interface, is obtained from a customer receiving the retail product that the thermochromic indicator is in its inactivated state.