Time Temperature Indicator With Doped Polymer Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time-temperature indicators (TTIs) lack the ability to be easily produced and tailored for different time and temperature regimes, as their polymer layers are not easily adjustable to various etching agents and rates.
Innovation Solution
A TTI comprising a metal layer in direct contact with a doped polymer layer, where the dopant is an acid, base, or photolatent acid/base, or a polymer layer functionalized with latent acidic/basic groups, allowing for time-temperature dependent changes in optical, electrical, and electronic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a polymer layer is used in the TTI, then the device can monitor time-temperature history, but the polymer layer cannot be easily adjusted to different etching agents and rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the polymer layer's chemical composition and physical properties to match different etching agents and rates. Specifically, the polymer is formulated with specific molecular weights, functional groups, and additives that control its reactivity with metal layers under different temperature and time conditions, enabling tailoring of the TTI response characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the polymer layer with metal layers and other functional materials in a multi-layer structure. The polymer is复合ed with specific metal particles, pigments, and additives to create a composite system that exhibits tailored time-temperature dependent properties, allowing the TTI to be customized for different application scenarios
2Measurement precision
If the polymer layer is made customizable for different regimes, then the TTI accuracy improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves improved measurement precision by systematically varying key parameters of the polymer layer such as molecular weight, functional group composition, crosslinking density, and additive concentration. These parameter changes directly control the etching rate and time-temperature response, enabling accurate monitoring across different regulatory regimes while maintaining a relatively simple base structure
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
Enables the TTI to be tailored for specific time and temperature regimes by adjusting the polymer layer with different affecting agents and polymers, enhancing its accuracy and effectiveness in monitoring temperature and time exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The doped polymer layer or the functionalized polymer layer in contact with the metal is responsible for the time-temperature dependent changes in the optical, electrical, and/or electronic properties of the TTI and/or one or more of its components
Implementation Method 2
the dopant is an acid, a base or a salt or a photolatent acid or a photolatent base which dopant is added to the polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is generally in the field of measuring and indicating techniques and relates to a time-temperature indicator and methods of manufacturing and use thereof. More specifically, the time-temperature indicator comprises a time temperature indicator comprising at least one metal layer or metal containing layer and in direct contact to the metal layer or to the metal containing layer at least one doped polymer layer, wherein the dopant is an acid, a base or a salt or a photolatent acid or a photolatent base which dopant is added to the polymer, and/or at least one polymer layer wherein a polymer is functionalized with acidic or latent acidic or basic or latent basic groups; or a time temperature indicator comprising at least one polymer layer containing metal particles and a photolatent acid or a photolatent base, or at least one polymer layer containing metal particles wherein the polymer is functionalized with latent acidic or latent basic groups.