3D Tag Encoding via Thickness Variations in Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing methods face challenges in efficiently tracking and tracing individual manufactured articles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving three-dimensional printing that integrates a 3D tag with varying thickness sections to encode information, allowing for direct radiation-based reading without additional processing steps, using a photocurable resin and a print engine with a motorized support and light engine to fabricate the article and tag from a single material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional additive manufacturing methods are used to manufacture articles, then articles can be produced, but tracking and tracing individual articles becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manufacturing process with the tagging process by integrating the 3D tag directly into the article during additive manufacturing. The tag is formed as an integral part of the article using the same photocurable resin material, eliminating the need for separate tagging operations and enabling efficient tracking without compromising manufacturing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the tag geometry and information-bearing features in the solid model before manufacturing. The varying thickness sections that encode information are designed in advance and fabricated simultaneously with the article, ensuring tracking capability is built-in from the start rather than added later
2Loss of information
If post processes are added to define the information bearing image on the tag, then the tag can be read, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating varying thickness sections in specific locations of the tag that correspond to different information states. Thick sections attenuate radiation more than thin sections, creating dark and light regions that directly encode information. This local variation in geometry eliminates the need for additional post-processing steps to define the information-bearing image
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or chemical post-processing methods with a radiation-based detection system. Instead of using ink, etching, or other traditional marking methods, the information is encoded in the physical geometry (thickness variations) of the tag itself, which can be read non-contactly using radiation transmission or reflection
3Shape
If multiple materials are used to fabricate the article and tag, then the tag can be distinguished, but the manufacturing process requires additional materials and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using the same photocurable resin material for both the article and the integrated 3D tag. The tag is distinguished not by material composition but by its varying thickness geometry, which creates dark and light regions when radiation passes through. This approach simplifies manufacturing by eliminating material changes while maintaining tag distinguishability
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 efficient production of 3D articles with embedded information-bearing tags, allowing for tracking and tracing without extra process steps, using a single material and standard additive manufacturing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a composite solid model defining the 3D article integral with the 3D tag, sending the composite solid model to an additive manufacturing system, and operating the additive manufacturing print engine to integrally fabricate the 3D article and 3D tag from a single material. The single material can be a photocurable resin.
Implementation Method 2
the 3D tag having a varying thickness including thick sections to define dark regions and thin sections to define light regions of the information bearing image as a result of radiation attenuation that varies according to thickness of the tag
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional (3D) article includes: (1) receiving a solid model defining a 3D article, (2) receiving information defining an information bearing image which can includes machine and/or human readable indicia, (3) defining a solid model of a 3D tag to be attached to the article, the 3D tag having thick sections and thin sections that define the information bearing image, (4) merging the solid model of the 3D article with the solid model of the 3D tag to provide a composite solid model defining the 3D article integral with the 3D tag, (5) sending the composite solid model to an additive manufacturing system, and (6) operating the additive manufacturing print engine to integrally fabricate the 3D article and 3D tag from a single material.