Anti-Counterfeiting Object with Composite XRD Authentication
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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 crystal materials and require rigorous batch production for homogeneity, and may not be visibly distinct.
Innovation Solution
An anti-counterfeiting object with an optical identification marking and an authentication volume that combines amorphous, crystalline, and complex metal phases, where the authentication volume extends beneath the surface for x-ray diffractometry, using a non-miscible mixture of materials to create a unique XRD signature that is not visibly discernible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional x-ray diffraction methods using powdered crystal materials are used for anti-counterfeiting, then the authentication method is easy to implement and readable independently of orientation, but the method is vulnerable to reproduction as crystal materials can be easily analyzed and replicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of both crystalline phase and amorphous phase in the authentication element. The crystalline phase provides distinct XRD peaks for authentication, while the amorphous phase broadens and obscures these peaks, making reverse engineering difficult. This composite structure maintains the readability and orientation independence of conventional XRD methods while significantly increasing security against reproduction, as counterfeiters cannot easily determine the precise crystalline-amorphous composition and ratio from external analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the authentication material by incorporating an amorphous phase alongside the crystalline phase. This parameter change transforms the material from a purely crystalline structure (easily analyzed) to a mixed crystalline-amorphous structure (difficult to analyze). The amorphous phase acts as a masking agent that preserves the XRD authentication capability while preventing reverse engineering of the material composition.
2Ease of operation
If authentication elements are made visible or distinct, then they can be easily located and read, but they become more susceptible to copying and counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an amorphous phase as an intermediary substance within the authentication element. This intermediary masks the crystalline authentication markers from external analysis while preserving their XRD detection capability. The amorphous phase acts as a protective veil that allows legitimate authentication (via XRD reading) but prevents counterfeiters from visually inspecting or copying the authentication features.
3Measurement precision
If pure crystalline materials are used for authentication, then the XRD signature is distinct and easy to verify, but the materials can be easily analyzed and reproduced by reverse engineering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite authentication element combining crystalline and amorphous phases. The crystalline phase maintains distinct XRD peaks for precise verification, while the amorphous phase complicates reverse engineering by broadening peaks and masking the precise crystalline structure. This composite approach preserves measurement precision for legitimate authentication while dramatically increasing the complexity for potential counterfeiters attempting to analyze and replicate the authentication element.
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 tamper-proof authentication method with reduced material costs, allowing for precise control of the XRD signature through material distribution, making it difficult to reproduce and requiring no online database for reference signatures.
Implementation Method 1
an authentication method using radiocrystallography... by the x-ray crystallography analysis, such an authentication substance produces a unique diffraction diagram, forming a unique signature, or imprint
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an anti-counterfeiting object including a face with an optical identification marking which is readable by the eye and/or by a machine, and an authentication volume, the authentication volume extending from the face in the thickness (z) direction so as to be accessible from the face 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 includes 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 application may advantageously be implemented by 3D printing.