3D Printed Object Anti-Counterfeiting via Internal Structural Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing counterfeiting and protecting intellectual property are ineffective against distributed or multiple sources utilizing 3D printing technology, as they can be easily copied using 3D scanning and printing systems, and lack measures to prevent the scanning of 3D objects to develop digital models.
Innovation Solution
A processing device implements a method to produce 3D objects with anti-counterfeiting measures by identifying concealment materials and patterns that obstruct specific 3D scanning methods, such as x-ray, laser, or contact scanning, using a combination of materials like ultrasound-shielding, laser-absorbing, or shape-altering ferromagnetic materials, and patterns that prevent accurate copying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visible anti-counterfeiting measures (seals, watermarks, holograms, barcodes, QR codes, RFID chips, engraved 3D symbols) are used, then authentication capability is improved, but ease of copying by 3D printing systems worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anti-counterfeiting function from visible surface features and embeds it within the internal structure of the 3D printed object. By placing authentication features inside the object's geometry rather than on its surface, the system prevents copying because 3D scanners capture external surfaces and cannot detect internal structural features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions anti-counterfeiting features from two-dimensional surface markings to three-dimensional internal structures. By encoding authentication information within the volumetric geometry of the object, the system creates features that exist in a dimension that external scanning cannot access, thereby preventing replication.
2Reliability
If conventional intellectual property protection mechanisms are used, then protection against individual sources of theft is improved, but effectiveness against distributed or multiple sources of theft worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal anti-counterfeiting solution that functions across multiple distribution scenarios. The internal structural authentication features work equally well whether the object is stolen from a single source or replicated by multiple distributed sources, because each replicated object contains the same internal authentication signature that can be verified independently.
3Ease of operation
If no anti-scanning measures are used, then ease of digital model creation is improved, but vulnerability to counterfeiting worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by embedding anti-scanning features during the 3D printing manufacturing process itself. Rather than attempting to prevent scanning after the fact, the system proactively incorporates structural features that actively obstruct scanning and digital model creation, thereby preventing counterfeiting at its source.
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 effectively obstructs 3D scanning and copying, providing enhanced protection against counterfeiting by rendering 3D objects unscannable and identifiable as counterfeit, thereby strengthening intellectual property enforcement.
Implementation Method 1
cure the build material and concealment material to form the three-dimensional object with the anti-counterfeiting measure
Implementation Method 2
the concealment material includes an ultrasound-shielding or ultrasound-absorbing material
Implementation Method 3
the concealment material includes a ferromagnetic material that, when exposed to a magnetic field from a magnetic resonance imaging system, will cause the object to alter its shape
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of producing a three-dimensional object with an anti-counterfeiting measure uses a processor to access a data file including a plurality of parameters for producing a three-dimensional object, wherein the parameters comprise a plurality of structural parameters. The processor may also cause a three dimensional printing device to form the three dimensional object that exhibits the structural parameters by identifying a build material, identifying a concealment material, causing the three dimensional printing device to deposit a mixture of the build material and the concealment material in a plurality of layers, and causing the three dimensional printing device to cure the build material and concealment material to form the three-dimensional object with the anti-counterfeiting measure.