Thermochromic Aqueous Inkjet Inks for Anti-Counterfeiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-counterfeiting measures for pharmaceutical and food products, such as RFID tags and holograms, are often copied or lack verification tools in less developed countries, necessitating a long-term solution to prevent counterfeiting.
Innovation Solution
Development of aqueous inkjet inks that print invisible images which become visible upon heat treatment, allowing for secure marking and coding on packaging, including expiration dates, and enabling authentication through visible and invisible image comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags and holograms are used for anti-counterfeiting, then product security is improved, but these measures become copied or counterfeited over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the ink system by incorporating leuco dyes that undergo temperature-induced color changes. The ink remains invisible at printing temperature and becomes visible at higher temperatures, creating a dynamic security feature that is difficult to replicate with conventional printing materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of leuco dyes between colored and colorless states through temperature changes. This thermochromic effect allows the security feature to dynamically change its appearance based on temperature, providing a reliable anti-counterfeiting mechanism that maintains effectiveness over time.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated verification tools like RFID tag readers are deployed, then authentication capability is improved, but these tools are not available in less developed countries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the product packaging to perform its own authentication demonstration through temperature-induced color changes. Consumers can verify authenticity by simply applying heat (e.g., with a lighter or hair dryer), eliminating the need for external verification devices and making authentication accessible anywhere in the world.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic verification systems with a simple thermal response mechanism. Instead of requiring RFID readers or specialized equipment, the authentication system uses basic thermal energy that can be easily applied and observed, dramatically simplifying the verification process.
3Loss of information
If visible images are printed on packaging, then information communication is improved, but counterfeiting becomes easier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information communication function into two parts: invisible security information (leuco dye patterns) and visible information (conventional printing). The invisible portion provides authentication that is difficult to replicate, while the visible portion communicates product information, allowing both functions to coexist without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the security feature (invisible leuco dye printing) beforehand during the manufacturing process. The invisible image is already present on the packaging but remains undetectable to consumers until heat is applied, providing proactive security protection rather than requiring post-manufacturing verification.
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
Enhances security by providing a visible authentication method that is difficult to counterfeit, ensuring product integrity and consumer safety, especially in regions lacking advanced verification tools.
Implementation Method 1
an immobilized leuco dye; b) a colour developing agent or colour developing agent precursor, wherein the ink is capable of forming a colour upon heat treatment
Implementation Method 2
upon heat treatment was applied
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous inkjet ink for forming a colour upon heat treatment includes a) an immobilized leuco dye; b) a colour developing agent or colour developing agent precursor; and c) optionally an opthothermal converting agent; wherein the leuco dye is immobilized by being covalently bonded to polymeric particles or by being included in the core of capsules composed of a polymeric shell surrounding a core.