3D Magnetic Encoding in Additive Manufacturing for Object Traceability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing encoding techniques are limited by binary representations, restricting the amount of information that can be stored on an object and are often inflexible during processing, which hinders their use in applications like identification, authentication, and traceability.

Innovation Solution

A method that modifies magnetic characteristics at different spatial locations of an object to form a spatial array of magnetic orientations, allowing for the encoding of complex information using a 4π steradian solid angle, enabling the creation of a unique magnetic signature that can be used for identification, authentication, and tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If binary encoding techniques are used to store information on an object, then the encoding process is simple, but the amount of information that can be stored is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of information storedVSAvoidencoding system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from binary (2-state) encoding to quaternary (4-state) encoding by utilizing multiple magnetic orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) in addition to magnetic presence/absence. This dimensional expansion in the encoding space allows each encoding location to store 2 bits of information instead of 1 bit, effectively doubling the information storage capacity without increasing the physical footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the magnetic parameter from simple presence/absence (binary) to orientation-dependent magnetization (quaternary). By controlling the magnetization orientation of magnetic particles at each encoding location, the system can represent four distinct states (0, 1, 2, 3), thereby increasing information density while maintaining the same physical encoding structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional encoding methods are used during object processing, then the process is straightforward, but the encoding flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control of magnetization orientation during the additive manufacturing process. By applying external magnetic fields at different orientations while the object is being printed, the system can flexibly encode information at any location with any of the four magnetic states (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), enabling adaptive encoding that responds to manufacturing requirements rather than being constrained by fixed encoding schemes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If magnetic particles are moved through base material during encoding, then the magnetic encoding can be achieved, but object distortion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic encoding accuracyVSAvoidobject dimensional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical movement of magnetic particles with magnetic field-induced orientation changes. Instead of physically transporting particles through the base material to create encoding patterns, the system uses externally applied magnetic fields to orient the magnetization of particles already in place, thereby achieving accurate magnetic encoding without disturbing the object's dimensional integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach enhances the amount of information that can be encoded on an object, creating a complex magnetic fingerprint that can be read using a magnetometer, improving identification, authentication, and traceability while allowing for manufacturing flexibility and cost savings.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic field orients the magnetic domains within the voxels in the same magnetic direction as the external field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic domain orientation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the external magnetic field having a magnetic vector direction and a magnetic vector intensity that induces permanent magnetism into the magnetic domains of the respectively exposed voxels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11884019B2Magnetic encoding of physical objects in an additive manufacturing process

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A method of encoding information in an object that may allow for enhanced tailorability of the encoding during the processing and/or also enhance the amount of information encoded in the object. More particularly, the method of encoding the object enables the magnetic characteristics at different spatial locations of the object to be modified to form a spatial array of the different magnetic characteristics for representing the encoded information. The method can be used to permanently embed a magnetic signature in a non-magnetic object, for example. More specifically, the method allows different portions of the object to exhibit different magnetic characteristics at each spatial location of the object in three dimensions, and more particularly configuring the magnetic vectors of those portions in many possible orientations with a 4n steradian solid angle and/or with different intensities.