Acetate Tow Identification Fiber Shape Coding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-counterfeiting measures in the tobacco industry are susceptible to countermeasures such as destruction, modification, duplication, or relabeling, and there is a need for a traceable acetate tow that can be easily manufactured, detectable in cigarette filters without impacting performance, and maintain traceability through various forms and processes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating identification fibers with distinct features into acetate tow bands, which can be distinguished using imaging technology, allowing for tracking of the supply chain information embedded in the fibers, yarn, or articles, including cigarettes, without altering the physical properties that affect performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If overt anti-counterfeiting measures (watermarks, colored fibers, holograms) are used, then product identification is readily observable, but these measures are susceptible to destruction, modification, duplication, or relabeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating identification fibers with specific distinct features (cross-sectional shapes, sizes, or surface characteristics) into only certain portions of the acetate tow band. This allows the identification features to be locally embedded within the material structure rather than applied as surface-level overt measures, making them harder to detect, duplicate, or alter while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses imaging technology as an intermediary to detect and verify the presence and characteristics of identification fibers within the acetate tow band. This intermediary detection method enables covert identification without requiring visible surface features, thereby preventing counterfeiting while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard fiber incorporation processes
2Loss of information
If identification features are embedded in fibers during manufacturing, then tracking through supply chain is enabled, but the features must be detectable without impacting fiber performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variations in fiber optical properties (analogous to color changes) by using identification fibers with distinct cross-sectional shapes, sizes, or surface characteristics that affect light interaction. These optical differences enable detection through imaging technology while maintaining the fibers' functional performance in the acetate tow band, balancing tracking capability with detection simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or chemical tracking systems with optical imaging-based detection. By embedding identification fibers with distinct physical characteristics that can be detected through non-invasive imaging, the system achieves supply chain tracking without requiring complex mechanical sensors or chemical analysis equipment
3Reliability
If acetate tow is used in cigarette filters, then filtration function is provided, but the tow must maintain traceability through blooming, plasticizing, and forming processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the identification fibers into the acetate tow band during the initial manufacturing stage, before the blooming, plasticizing, and forming processes occur. This early incorporation ensures that the identification features are locked into the material structure and will maintain their distinct characteristics throughout subsequent processing and final product formation, preserving both filtration performance and traceability
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 enables effective tracking and tracing of acetate tow components in cigarette filters, combating illicit trade by ensuring that the identification fibers remain detectable and functional throughout the manufacturing and usage processes, thereby enhancing supply chain integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the identification fibers exhibits at least one distinct feature... which can be distinguished using imaging technology
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are fibers comprising identification fibers which can be used for tracking and tracing fibers, yarns, fiber bands, and/or articles comprising the fibers through at least part of the supply chain. Each identification fiber exhibits at least one distinct feature. Each group of distinguishable identification fibers can exhibit a taggant cross-section shape, a taggant cross-section size, or combination of the same taggant cross-section shape and same taggant cross-section size. The distinct features and the number of fibers in each group of distinguishable identification fibers can represent at least one supply chain component of the fibers. The distinct features can be detectable in an article comprising the fibers.