Thermosetting Polymer Seal for Tamper-Resistant Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-counterfeit measures for high-value products, particularly fine wines, are inadequate as they allow for counterfeiting through refilling or thermal damage, as they do not provide robust authentication and thermal monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system featuring a thermosetting polymer seal on the closure, which includes means for detecting originality using Stokes or anti-Stokes pigments and diatoms visible to the naked eye, and thermal energy recording agents like microporous materials and microencapsulated colorants, ensuring the seal is non-destructively attached and provides authentication and thermal monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal made of thermosetting polymer is attached to the closure with authentication means, then the reliability of preventing counterfeiting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple authentication functions (Stokes/anti-Stokes pigments, diatoms, thermal energy recording) into a single integrated seal structure made of thermosetting polymer. This merging approach maintains high anti-counterfeit reliability while reducing the number of separate components that would otherwise be needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal incorporates materials with specific physical parameters: Stokes/anti-Stokes pigments for optical detection, diatoms for visual authentication, and thermal recording agents for temperature monitoring. These parameter-based features enable reliable authentication without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems.
2Measurement precision
If Stokes pigments or anti-Stokes pigments are used for detecting originality, then the measurement precision of authentication is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as specialized detection devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different authentication materials to different regions or aspects of the seal: Stokes/anti-Stokes pigments for optical detection, diatoms for visual inspection, and thermal recording agents for temperature monitoring. This allows various detection methods to be used depending on the available equipment and situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal incorporates Stokes/anti-Stokes pigments that exhibit specific optical properties under different light conditions, and thermal recording agents that change color in response to temperature exposure. These visual and optical changes provide authentication cues that can be detected with varying levels of equipment sophistication.
3Ease of operation
If diatoms visible to the naked eye are incorporated into the seal, then the ease of operation for authentication is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates diatoms uniformly throughout the thermosetting polymer seal matrix, ensuring consistent distribution and visual appearance. This homogeneous integration simplifies the authentication process for end users while managing manufacturing complexity through standardized incorporation procedures.
4Ease of repair
If a seal made of thermosetting polymer is used that is non-destructive from the closure, then the ease of repair or replacement is improved, but the strength of bonding may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the seal as a separate, removable component that can be taken off the closure without damaging either the seal or the closure. The authentication features (Stokes/anti-Stokes pigments, diatoms, thermal recording) are embedded within the seal material itself, allowing the seal to be replaced while preserving the closure and authentication capabilities.
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 effectively prevents counterfeiting and detects thermal damage, ensuring the authenticity and quality of the packaged contents by using thermosetting polymers that bond securely and include visible and detectable markers for originality and thermal history.
Implementation Method 1
a seal made of thermosetting polymer being attached to and/or on the closure
Implementation Method 2
the means for detecting the originality of the seal comprises Stokes pigments or anti-Stokes pigments, which require a detection device for detection
Implementation Method 3
contains diatoms visible to the naked eye
Implementation Method 4
the seal further comprises means for recording the input of thermal energy and/or means for detecting whether a defined temperature has been exceeded
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to packaging (2) that is closed by a cap, wherein a seal (1) made of thermosetting polymer is attached to the cap, said seal (1) preferably being in contact with the packaging, wherein the seal is not removable from the cap and/or the packaging without destruction and the seal comprises means for identifying the originality of the packaging, means for registering input of thermal energy and/or means for detecting that a defined temperature has been exceeded.