Thermochromic Sealing Mark for Irreversible Temperature Exposure Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing marks do not effectively indicate when articles in packages, particularly medicaments, have been exposed to temperatures that compromise their suitability for consumption.
Innovation Solution
A sealing mark comprising a thermosensitive layer with irreversible thermochromic ink that changes color upon reaching a predetermined temperature threshold, signaling exposure to undesirable temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing sealing marks are used, then the package can be sealed, but the temperature exposure of the article cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermochromic ink that changes color in response to temperature exposure. The ink contains leuco dye, mordant, and developer components that undergo a chemical reaction at specific temperature thresholds, causing a visible color change from clear/white to colored state, providing permanent visual indication of temperature abuse
Solution Approach 2:
The thermochromic ink layer acts as an intermediary between the temperature environment and the user. It mediates the temperature exposure information by translating thermal energy into visible color changes, allowing indirect detection of temperature conditions without direct measurement devices
2Loss of information
If reversible thermochromic ink is used, then the color change indicates current temperature, but it cannot indicate past temperature exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes irreversible parameter changes in the thermochromic system. Once the leuco dye-mordant-developer complex undergoes the temperature-induced chemical reaction, it permanently changes state and cannot revert, ensuring that the color change remains as a permanent record of temperature exposure even after temperature returns to normal ranges
3Reliability
If the sealing mark is made complex with multiple layers, then temperature detection capability is added, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermochromic ink layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a temperature sensor, a visual indicator, and a permanent record-keeping mechanism. The single ink layer composition containing leuco dye, mordant, and developer provides both the sensing capability and the visual display function, reducing the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The thermochromic ink is formulated as a composite material system combining leuco dye, mordant, and developer components that work together to provide temperature-sensitive color change. This composite approach enables complex functionality within a single material layer, simplifying the overall structure compared to using multiple separate functional layers
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 irreversible color change informs users that the article has been exposed to critical temperatures, ensuring safety by indicating potential degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the thermosensitive layer includes thermochromic ink, wherein the thermochromic ink is irreversible
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sealing mark for sealing a package such as for packing medicaments. The sealing mark has a sealing layer and a hologram layer that at least partly covers the sealing layer. The sealing mark further comprises a thermosensitive layer that at least partly covers the hologram layer and/or the sealing layer. The thermosensitive layer includes thermochromic ink. The thermochromic ink is irreversible.