Anti-Counterfeiting Object With Composite X-Ray Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-counterfeiting technologies, such as X-ray diffraction methods, are vulnerable to reproduction due to the ease of analyzing and replicating crystalline materials, and require rigorous manufacturing processes to maintain homogeneity and unique signatures, while also being covert and database-dependent.
Innovation Solution
An anti-counterfeiting object with an optical identification marking and an authentication volume comprising an immiscible mixture of materials with distinct X-ray diffraction signatures, allowing for a composite signature that is unique and resistant to reproduction, using additive manufacturing to control material distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional X-ray diffraction analysis is used to authenticate objects, then the authentication method is readable and identifiable, but the method becomes vulnerable to reproduction and counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite authentication material comprising at least one amorphous phase, at least one crystalline phase, and at least one complex metallic phase. This multi-phase composite creates a unique X-ray diffraction pattern that is difficult to replicate because the combination of phases produces a complex signature that cannot be easily analyzed or reproduced by conventional means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the authentication material by incorporating multiple phases (amorphous, crystalline, and complex metallic) in specific proportions. This creates a material with unique X-ray diffraction characteristics that differ fundamentally from conventional single-phase materials, making the authentication more secure while remaining detectable.
2Reliability
If rigorous manufacturing processes are used to maintain homogeneity and unique signatures, then the authentication reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the authentication material with a predetermined composition and phase distribution before manufacturing the final product. By establishing the unique multi-phase composition in advance and incorporating it into the product during manufacturing, the system ensures signature uniqueness without requiring complex post-manufacturing processes or rigorous quality control during production.
3Reliability
If covert authentication methods are used, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation and identification is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the authentication system into two distinct components: a covert authentication material embedded within the product for secure X-ray diffraction analysis, and an overt visual identification marking on the product surface for easy visual recognition. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide both security through covert methods and ease of operation through visual identification.
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 provides a secure, cost-effective, and visually identifiable anti-counterfeiting method that reduces the need for database access, ensuring authentication through a composite X-ray diffraction signature that is difficult to replicate, while minimizing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
authentication material that comprises at least one amorphous phase, at least one crystalline phase and at least one complex metallic phase. Indeed, such an authentication substance produces, by X-ray crystallography analysis, a unique diffraction pattern, forming a unique signature, or fingerprint
Implementation Method 2
WO 2019/011986 presents an authentication method using X-ray crystallography, which is more secure than that described in US 2007/0121181
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an anti-counterfeiting object comprising a face (12) with an optical identification marking (14) which is readable by the eye and/or by a machine, and an authentication volume, the authentication volume extending from the face (12) in the thickness (z) direction so as to be accessible from the face (12) in order to be read by X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The authentication volume is a composite of a first material, referred to as the authentication material, and at least one second material, the authentication volume constituting a material volume of at least 5 mm3. The authentication material comprises at least one amorphous phase, at least one crystalline phase and at least one complex metal phase. The second material is typically a polymer. The invention may advantageously be implemented by 3D printing.