THERMOCHROMIC TEMPERATURE MONITORING STRIP

Abstract

A thermochromic temperature monitoring strip (100) is disclosed. The strip (100) comprising: a substrate (102) made of a cellulose-based filter paper; and a coating (104) of a thermochromic solution applied to the substrate (102). The coating (104) comprises a nanocomposite material of polydiacetylene (PDA), and calibrated to undergo a color change from a blue color to a predefined color when exposed to a predetermined temperature ranging from 5 degree Celsius (°C) to 70 degree Celsius (°C) to provide a visual indication of the temperature change; and a protective polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer (106) to enhance a water resistance and durability of the strip (100). The strip (100) is water resistant and robust, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Claims: 10, Figures: 4 Figure 1A is selected.

Specification

Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a temperature monitoring strip and particularly to a thermochromic temperature monitoring strip.
Description of Related Art
[002] Temperature monitoring has always been a critical factor across various industries, including healthcare, food safety, and logistics. Traditional devices and methods for the temperature monitoring often involve digital or electronic devices such as digital thermometers, infrared thermometers, and electronic data loggers, and so forth, which provide accurate and reliable measurements but at a cost of complexity, dependence on power sources, and higher operational costs.
[003] Among the more affordable and simpler alternatives are liquid crystal thermometers and thermally responsive materials, which offer a visual representation of temperature changes through color variations. Liquid crystal thermometers, for example, use liquid crystals that change their molecular orientation in response to temperature, producing a visual color change. These devices have seen widespread application due to their relatively low cost, ease of use, and non-electronic nature.
[004] However, these solutions are not without their shortcomings. Liquid crystal thermometers and other similar devices often suffer from limitations such as a limited sensitivity, a lower accuracy, and an environmental susceptibility. Many of these tools require protective environments to prevent degradation due to humidity, Ultraviolet (UV) light, or other external factors. Moreover, these tools generally cover only a narrow temperature range that is not sufficient for all type of applications. Additionally, these tools tend to be single-use and are limited in terms of real-time, immediate feedback.
[005] In many industries, especially in a supply chain, a medical storage, and a food safety sector, an accurate temperature monitoring is essential. While electronic devices, such as data loggers, can record temperature over time, they are costly, require technical knowledge to interpret, and often depend on power sources or batteries. These drawbacks highlight the need for a low-cost, reliable, and user-friendly alternative for temperature monitoring that can deliver immediate, visual feedback without the need for complex technology.
[006] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced thermochromic temperature monitoring strip that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a thermochromic temperature monitoring strip. The strip comprising: a substrate made of a cellulose-based filter paper. The strip further comprising: a coating of a thermochromic solution applied to the substrate, characterized in that the coating comprises a nanocomposite material of polydiacetylene (PDA), and is calibrated to undergo a color change from a blue color to a predefined color when exposed to a predetermined temperature ranging from 5 degree Celsius (°c) to 70 degree Celsius (°c) to provide a visual indication of the temperature change. The strip further comprising: a protective polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer to enhance a water resistance and durability of the strip.
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for producing a thermochromic temperature monitoring strip. The method comprising steps of: procuring a substrate made of a cellulose-based filter paper; submerging the substrate into a thermochromic solution of nanocomposite material, wherein the thermochromic solution of the nanocomposite material is a polydiacetylene (PDA); coating the substrate with the thermochromic solution of nanocomposite material; air drying the substrate coated with the thermochromic solution of nanocomposite material; exposing the substrate with Ultraviolet (UV) rays, wherein the exposure of the Ultraviolet (UV) imparts a blue color to the substrate; and layering the substrate with a protective polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer to enhance a water resistance and durability of the strip.
[009] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a thermochromic temperature monitoring strip.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a temperature monitoring strip that does not require batteries or any external power source. The temperature monitoring strip may be functional in any environment without concerns about power availability.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a temperature monitoring strip that provides immediate, easy-to-read temperature indications through a visible color change. This eliminates a need for digital displays or complex readings by offering a quick and intuitive temperature assessment.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a temperature monitoring strip that allows a person to easily interpret temperature changes without a need for a technical expertise. Thus, the temperature monitoring strip may be widely accessible and usable across populations for various applications.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a temperature monitoring strip that uses simple materials and does not require electronics or batteries, the strip is less expensive to manufacture compared to traditional digital thermometers or electronic devices, making it an affordable solution for both consumers and businesses.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a temperature monitoring strip that is water-resistant, robust, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a temperature monitoring strip that can be tailored to respond to a wide range of temperature thresholds, making it applicable in various industries, such as food safety, medical storage, and environmental monitoring. It can be manufactured in different formats (e.g., adhesive labels, standalone strips), enhancing its adaptability.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a temperature monitoring strip that refrains from a use of electronics and harmful materials.
[0017] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a temperature monitoring strip that is environment-friendly and contributes less electronic waste, reducing environmental impact.
[0018] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0019] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram depicting a thermochromic temperature monitoring strip, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 1B illustrates a visual representation of the thermochromic temperature monitoring strip, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 1C illustrates a visual representation of the thermochromic temperature monitoring strip, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for producing the thermochromic temperature monitoring strip, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include", "including", and "includes" mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0027] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises", and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", "consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of", the like.
[0028] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0029] FIG. 1A illustrates a thermochromic temperature monitoring strip 100 (hereinafter referred to as the strip 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the strip 100 may be adapted to visually indicate a temperature of an environment on a surface in contact with the strip 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the visual indication of the temperature may be carried out by an irreversible color change of the strip 100. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the strip 100 may be designed to be used to indicate a one-time color change. The achieved color after administration of the strip 100 onto the surface may be matched with a color matrix to interpolate a magnitude of the temperature of the corresponding surface. In another embodiment of the present invention, the strip 100 may be designed to be re-used multiple times to indicate the color changes.
[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, the strip 100 may be installed on frozen and deep-frozen articles such as, but not limited to, medicines, injections, frozen edibles, poultry and meat products, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any articles that may be installed with the strip 100 for temperature vigilance, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. For instance, if an article intended to be on a low temperature is exposed to a higher temperature, the strip 100 may undergo an irreversible color change. The irreversible color change of the strip 100 may indicate that the corresponding article may have been exposed the higher temperature.
[0031] According to embodiments of the present invention, a thickness of the strip 100 may be in a range from 0.2 millimeters (mm) to 0.4 millimeters (mm). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the strip 100 may be 0.3 millimeters (mm). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any thickness of the strip 100.
[0032] According to embodiments of the present invention, a shape of the strip 100 may be, but not limited to, a square shape, a circular shape, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the strip may be a rectangular shape. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any shape of the strip 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] According to embodiments of the present invention, the strip 100 may comprise a substrate 102, a coating 104, and a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer 106. In an embodiment of the present invention, the substrate 102 may be a core component the strip 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the substrate 102 may be made of material that may be, but not limited to, a fabric material, a paper material, an organic material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substrate 102 may be made of a cellulose-based filter paper. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the substrate 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cellulose-based filter paper may be a Whatman filter paper. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cellulose-based filter paper may be a Millipore filter paper, Sartorius filter paper, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any other cellulose-based filter paper, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the coating 104 of a thermochromic solution may be applied on the substrate 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the thermochromic solution may comprise a nanocomposite material. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nanocomposite material, from which the thermochromic solution may be prepared, may be polydiacetylene (PDA). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any nanocomposite material, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] According to embodiments of the present invention, the coating 104 of the substrate 102 with the thermochromic solution may be carried out using coating techniques such as, but not limited to, a spray coating technique, a brush coating technique, an adhesive coating technique, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coating 104 of the substrate 102 with the thermochromic solution may be carried out using a dip-coating technique. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any technique that may induce the coat of the thermochromic solution on the substrate 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0037] Further, after coating 104 of the substrate 102 with the thermochromic solution, the substrate 102 may be dried and calibrated. According to embodiments of the present invention, the drying of the substrate 102 may be carried out using processes such as, but not limited to, an oven drying, a sun drying, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substrate 102 may be air-dried. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any process for drying the substrate 102 coated with the thermochromic solution, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the calibration of the dried substrate 102, coated with the thermochromic solution, may be carried out to ensure a desired performance of the strip 100. The calibration of the dried substrate 102 may impart a blue color to the substrate 102. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the calibration of the dried substrate 102 may be carried out by exposing the dried substrate 102 to Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any means for calibrating the dried substrate 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the calibration may enable the dried substrate 102 to undergo the irreversible color change from the blue color to a predefined color when exposed to a predetermined temperature range. According to embodiments of the present invention, the predetermined temperature range eligible for inducing the irreversible color change in the substrate 102 may be in a range from 5 degree Celsius (°C) to 70 degree Celsius (°C). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any predetermined temperature range that may be eligible for inducing the color change in the substrate 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the predefined color may be, but not limited to, varying shades of a purple color, varying shades of red color, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any predefined color, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the strip 100 may undergo the color change from the blue color to the varying shades of the purple color, when the strip 100 may be administered on bodies possessing higher temperature. The higher temperatures may be the magnitude of temperatures tending towards the 70 degree Celsius (°C) mark. Further, the color change of the strip 100 to the varying shades of the purple color may be one-time only.
[0041] In another embodiment of the present invention, the strip 100 may undergo the color change from the blue color to varying shades of the red color, when the strip 100 may be administered on bodies possessing lower temperatures. The lower temperatures may be the magnitude of temperatures tending towards the 5 degree Celsius (°C) mark. Further, the color change of the strip 100 to the varying shades of the red color may be one-time only.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the calibrated substrate 102 may be layered with the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer 106. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer 106 may protect the substrate 102. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer 106 may further enhance a water resistance and durability of the strip 100, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 1B illustrates a visual representation of the strip 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the strip 100 may comprise blocks 108a-108n (hereinafter referred individually to as the block 108, and plurally to as the blocks 108). In an embodiment of the present invention, the blocks 108 may be a representative section etched on the strip 100. Further, the strip 100 may comprise temperature markings ranging from 5 degree Celsius (°C) to 70 degree Celsius (°C) that may be mark against each of the blocks 108. The temperature markings may enable interpolation of the magnitude of the temperature of the corresponding surface from the either of the derived varying shades of the purple or the derived varying shades of the red.
[0044] In an exemplary scenario of the present invention, the strip 100 may be freshly used to measure the temperatures of a 'Surface A'. Initially, before the administration of the strip 100 on the 'Surface A', the blocks 108 of the strip 100 may be blue in color. Upon administration on the 'Surface A', the strip 100 may indicate the visual color change in one of the blocks 108. For instance, if a particular block 108j may undergo the visual color change, an administrator may check the temperature markings against the block 108j to ascertain the temperatures of the 'Surface A'. As the block 108j may correspond to 50 degree Celsius (°C), the magnitude of the temperature of the 'Surface A' may be interpolated as 50 degree Celsius (°C).
[0045] In another exemplary scenario of the present invention, the strip 100 may be freshly used to measure the temperatures of a 'Surface B' that may exhibit the lower temperatures. In an embodiment of the present invention, the strip 100 may be administered on the 'Surface B' by bringing the 'Surface B' and the strip 100 in contact. After being in contact with the 'Surface B', the blue color of particular block 108c and block 108d may undergo irreversible color change to the red color. As the block 108c and block 108d may correspond to 15 degree Celsius (°C) and 20 degree Celsius (°C), the magnitude of the surface B may be interpolated as 17.50 degree Celsius (°C) by averaging out 15 degree Celsius (°C) and 20 degree Celsius (°C). However, if the 'Surface B' may have exhibited the temperature of 20 degree Celsius (°C), only the block 108d may have undergone the irreversible color change to the red color.
[0046] FIG. 1C illustrates a visual representation of the strip 100, according to another embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the strip 100 may be supplied as a singular rectangular shaped strip. In another embodiment of the present invention, the strip 100 may be supplied as a plurality of rectangular shaped strips in a format of a booklet. Further, one of the strip 100 may be extracted from the booklet and may be administered on the surface. Upon administration, an entirety of the strip 100 may undergo the color change.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the color attained on the strip 100 may be compared with a color indication chart 110. The color indication chart 110 may be a reference sheet supplied along with the strip 100 or the booklet. The color indication chart 110 may represent the varying shades of the red color and the varying shades of the purple color. The color indication chart 110 may further indicate the temperature marking underneath every of the varying shades of the red color and the varying shades of the purple color.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the color attained on the strip 100 may be compared with the varying shades of the red color or the varying shades of the purple color represented on the color indication chart 110. Upon comparison, one of the varying shades of the red color or the varying shade of the purple color may be selected based on the color indication chart 110. Further, the temperature marking underneath the selected shade of the red color or the selected shade of the purple color may be interpolated as the temperature of the corresponding surface. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the color change of the strip 100 may correspond to the 50 degree Celsius based on a matched color on the color indication chart 110.
[0049] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for producing the strip 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] At step 202, the substrate 102 made of the cellulose-based filter paper may be procured.
[0051] At step 204, the substrate 102 may be submerged into the thermochromic solution of the nanocomposite material.
[0052] At step 206, the submerged substrate 102 may be coated with the thermochromic solution of nanocomposite material.
[0053] At step 208, the substrate 102 coated with the thermochromic solution may be air dried.
[0054] At step 210, the air dried substrate 102 may be calibrated by exposing to the Ultraviolet (UV) rays.
[0055] At step 212, the calibrated substrate 102 may be layered with the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer 106 to enhance the water resistance and durability of the strip 100
[0056] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0057] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A thermochromic temperature monitoring strip (100), the strip (100) comprising:
a substrate (102) made of a cellulose-based filter paper;
a coating (104) of a thermochromic solution applied to the substrate (102), characterized in that the coating (104) comprises a nanocomposite material of polydiacetylene (PDA), and is calibrated to undergo a color change from a blue color to a predefined color when exposed to a predetermined temperature ranging from 5 degree Celsius (°C) to 70 degree Celsius (°C) to provide a visual indication of the temperature change; and
a protective polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer (106) adapted on the coated and calibrated substrate (102) to enhance a water resistance and durability of the strip (100).
2. The strip (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coating (104) of the thermochromic solution is applied onto the substrate (102) using a dip-coating technique.
3. The strip (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cellulose-based filter paper is a Whatman filter paper.
4. The strip (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the color change of the strip (100) to the predefined color is one-time and irreversible.
5. The strip (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined color is selected from varying shades of a purple color, varying shades of red color, or a combination thereof.
6. The strip (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising temperature markings ranging from 5 degree Celsius (°C) to 70 degree Celsius (°C).
7. The strip (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising blocks (108a-108n) for indicating the color change based on a body temperature upon administration of the strip (100).
8. A method (200) for producing a thermochromic temperature monitoring strip (100), the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
procuring a substrate (102) made of a cellulose-based filter paper;
submerging the substrate (102) into a thermochromic solution of nanocomposite material, wherein the thermochromic solution of the nanocomposite material is a polydiacetylene (PDA);
coating (104) the substrate (102) with the thermochromic solution of nanocomposite material;
air drying the substrate (102) coated with the thermochromic solution of nanocomposite material;
exposing the substrate (102) to Ultraviolet (UV) rays, wherein the exposure of the Ultraviolet (UV) imparts a blue color to the substrate (102); and
layering the substrate (102) with a protective polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer (106) to enhance a water resistance and durability of the strip (100).
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the coating (104) of the thermochromic solution is applied onto the substrate (102) using a dip-coating technique.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cellulose-based filter paper is a Whatman filter paper.
Date: November 20, 2024
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant

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