UV Fluorescing Sealant for Non-Destructive Integrity Verification
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating seal integrity in packaging are either destructive or prohibitively slow, preventing non-destructive inspection of seal integrity, which can lead to unsafe use of packaged products.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element comprising a light scattering layer and a fluorescing layer, where the fluorescing layer contains an optical brightener that absorbs and re-emits ultraviolet light only where the layers are in intimate contact, allowing visual inspection of seal integrity without destruction, using UV light to indicate proper sealing or corruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dye penetration test is used to detect seal leaks, then leak detection capability is improved, but the test becomes destructive and packaging cannot be used commercially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by incorporating fluorescent materials into the sealing element that change color or emit light under UV illumination to indicate seal integrity. This allows visual detection of seal defects without destroying the packaging, resolving the contradiction between leak detection capability and packaging usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/dye-based inspection system with an optical detection system using UV light and fluorescent indicators. This substitution enables non-destructive inspection while maintaining leak detection capability, allowing packaging to remain usable after inspection.
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection of witness marks is performed to evaluate seal integrity, then seal corruption detection is improved, but the inspection becomes destructive as the seal must be broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating fluorescent indicators into the sealing element during manufacturing, before any inspection occurs. This pre-prepared indicator system allows for non-destructive inspection, eliminating the need to break the seal to check for corruption while maintaining detection precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If current packaging inspection methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but non-destructive inspection capability is lost leading to unsafe product use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating fluorescent indicators only in specific locations within the sealing element where seal integrity needs to be monitored. This localized approach maintains overall packaging simplicity while providing targeted non-destructive inspection capability for safety 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
Enables non-destructive verification of seal integrity, ensuring sterility and security by visually indicating proper sealing or corruption, either manually or through automated inspection, without compromising the packaging.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorescing layer contains an optical brightener which may fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light that has passed through the light scattering layer prior to being absorbed and then reemitted by the fluorescing layer.
Implementation Method 2
The fluorescing layer contains an optical brightener which may fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light that has passed through the light scattering layer prior to being absorbed and then reemitted by the fluorescing layer.
Implementation Method 3
The light scattering layer may be coupled to the fluorescing layer by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or impulse sealing. The fluorescing layer contains an optical brightener which may fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light that has passed through the light scattering layer
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing element that visually indicates when a sealing element has been opened or corrupted without destruction of the seal. Ultraviolet light passes through a scattering layer and is absorbed by a fluorescing layer, the fluorescing layer reemitting the light in the visual spectrum and thereby allowing a user to inspect the integrity of the sealing element without otherwise destroying the seal.