Uniform-Thickness Indicator Labels for Optical Analyte Detection in Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for non-destructively determining the atmosphere inside packaging, particularly the concentration of analytes like oxygen, are inefficient, inaccurate, and costly due to the use of bulky sensors and non-uniform dye distribution, which are not suitable for high-speed packaging lines.
Innovation Solution
A packaging label with a uniformly thick indicator substance dot, designed to maintain a constant areal density during relative movement, uses luminescent dyes to accurately measure analyte concentration, minimizing material usage and ensuring precise optical detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescent dye is used to determine oxygen concentration in packaging, then non-destructive measurement is enabled, but the dye distribution is non-uniform leading to measurement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the indicator substance from a soluble fluorescent dye to an insoluble fluorescent powder or granules. This parameter change allows the indicator to maintain uniform distribution without dissolution issues, directly resolving the manufacturing precision problem while preserving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable indicator label with fluorescent powder that is applied to the packaging surface. This disposable approach eliminates the need for precise long-term dye distribution maintenance, allowing simple application methods that ensure uniformity while accepting that the indicator is single-use
2Measurement precision
If bulky sensors are used for optical detection, then measurement capability is sufficient, but production cost increases and high-speed packaging lines cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical sensors with a lightweight optical system using fluorescent powder and standard optical detectors. This substitution dramatically reduces the measurement system size and cost, enabling integration into high-speed packaging lines while maintaining adequate measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluorescent powder that can be easily applied and replicated across multiple packaging surfaces. This copying approach allows rapid measurement of many packages without requiring complex sensor systems, thereby increasing productivity
3Measurement precision
If large amounts of fluorescent dye are used to ensure uniform coverage, then measurement accuracy improves, but material cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from using soluble fluorescent dye to insoluble fluorescent powder, which provides sufficient signal strength with minimal material. The powder form maintains uniform distribution without requiring large quantities, reducing both material cost and application complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies fluorescent powder locally to specific indicator areas on the packaging rather than using large amounts across the entire surface. This localized application maintains measurement reliability while minimizing material usage
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 allows for accurate, cost-effective, and rapid determination of analyte concentrations, even with relative movement, by using a uniformly thick indicator substance dot and optimizing label design for efficient production and minimal dye usage.
Implementation Method 1
In particular, with the porphyrin dyes commonly used, in the presence of oxygen, not only the decay time is shortened, but also the intensity of the emission response is reduced. This effect is referred to as oxygen-induced fluorescence quenching.
Data Source
Figure 1A~3E
Figure 4~7
Figure 5A~5E
AI summary
The invention relates to an indicator label (1) for determining an analyte, in particular for determining the concentration of an analyte, in a multi-component fluid mixture, comprising a carrier layer (3), an adhesive layer (4) which is applied onto the lower face of the carrier layer (3), and an indicator substance point (2), in particular a strip-shaped indicator substance point, on the carrier layer (3) upper face lying opposite the lower face, wherein the indicator substance point (2) comprises an indicator substance which allows the presence of the analyte, in particular the concentration of the analyte, to be determined by means of optical means, and the indicator substance point (2) has a uniform thickness, i.e. extension, in the direction perpendicular to the upper face of the carrier layer (3). The invention additionally relates to a strip (10) which has multiple indicator labels arranged one behind the other and to methods for producing such indicator labels and strips. The invention additionally also relates to packaging (6) comprising such an indicator label in the interior and to a packaging machine (100) for applying indicator labels at specific suitable regions within the packaging prior to the sealing process.