3D Printed Object Encoding Physical Properties for Product Tracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in identifying the source of products produced using 3D printers and ensuring that products created with 3D printing technology are produced under license or with consent, as the ease of digital file distribution complicates monitoring and tracing, particularly in cases of illegal products like firearms.
Innovation Solution
Modifying the physical properties of 3D printed objects to encode identifying information, such as manufacturing process details or proprietor data, within the object's structure, making it difficult to remove and allowing for decoding using specialized equipment like CT scanners or MRI machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If information is encoded in the physical properties of 3D printed objects, then product identification and tracing capability is improved, but the complexity of manufacturing and decoding processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding identification information during the 3D printing manufacturing process itself, rather than adding it afterward. The encoding is performed as part of the layer-by-layer construction, integrating the identification feature into the product's physical structure from the beginning, which simplifies the overall process despite the initial manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tagging or labeling systems with encoded information embedded in the physical properties of the 3D printed object. Instead of attaching external identifiers, the system uses the object's own structural characteristics (density, geometry, material composition) to encode identification data, enabling decoding through non-destructive imaging techniques.
2Reliability
If identifying information is integrated within the product structure, then the information becomes difficult to remove and tracing is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification information with the product's physical structure by encoding data into the object's geometry, density distribution, or material composition during the 3D printing process. This integration ensures the information cannot be easily separated or removed without damaging the product itself, thereby improving information persistence while utilizing the inherent capabilities of additive manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying physical properties such as density, dimensional tolerances, or material composition during specific layers or regions of the 3D printing process. These parameter variations encode identification information directly into the product structure, making the information persistent and difficult to remove while leveraging the precision control available in modern 3D printing systems.
3Reliability
If physical properties are modified to encode information, then product tracing and IP protection are improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses imaging technologies such as CT scanners or MRI machines as intermediaries to detect and decode the encoded information. These intermediary devices non-destructively capture the physical properties of the 3D printed object (density distribution, internal geometry) and translate them into readable identification data, thereby improving detection capability without requiring direct physical contact or destruction of the product.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system for encoding or decoding information in physical properties of an object. A tangible product comprises a three dimensional tangible object having modified physical properties; and wherein the modified physical properties are a modification of physical properties, wherein the modification encodes information. A method comprising: obtaining a representation of a three dimensional object having physical properties; obtaining information to encode; determining modified physical properties by modifying the physical properties to encode within the modified physical properties the information; and producing a tangible product, wherein the tangible product is the three dimensional object having the modified physical properties.