Chiral Liquid Crystal Polymer Marking for Anti-Counterfeiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-counterfeiting solutions for goods, especially pharmaceuticals, lack robustness and uniqueness, making them vulnerable to reproduction and fail to provide effective track and trace information, posing significant risks to consumers and revenue loss.
Innovation Solution
A marking system combining a printable code with a chiral liquid crystal polymer (CLCP) layer, featuring a transparent intermediate layer with randomly distributed CLCP flakes, providing unique optical properties and enhanced security against reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anti-counterfeiting solutions (RFID, invisible inks, barcodes) are used, then unique identification is provided, but they can be reproduced or mimicked by counterfeiters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple materials with different optical properties into a layered structure: a printable code layer, a transparent intermediate layer with randomly distributed CLCP flakes, and a top CLCP layer. This composite structure creates unique optical effects that are difficult to reproduce, as counterfeiters would need to replicate both the physical structure and the specific optical properties of each layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials and optical properties to different regions of the marking. The transparent intermediate layer contains randomly distributed CLCP flakes with specific optical properties, while the top CLCP layer has different optical characteristics. This local differentiation creates a complex optical signature that enhances authentication security.
2Reliability
If tamper evident structures are used, then manipulation indication is provided, but they lack uniqueness and track and trace capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated marking system: tamper detection (through the optical properties of CLCP layers that change when manipulated) and unique identification/track and trace (through the printable code combined with the specific optical signature of the CLCP structure). This unified approach eliminates the need for separate tamper evident structures.
3Loss of information
If a simple printable code is used, then track and trace information is provided, but it lacks security against counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent intermediate layer containing CLCP flakes as a mediator between the printable code and the external environment. This intermediate layer preserves the readability of the underlying code while adding an optical layer that is difficult to replicate. The CLCP flakes create specific light scattering and interference patterns that serve as an additional security feature without obscuring the identification information.
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 marking system significantly enhances security by making it difficult to reproduce and provides unique identification and tracking capabilities, ensuring authenticity and preventing counterfeiting.
Implementation Method 1
a chiral liquid crystal polymer (CLCP) layer obtainable from a precursor composition that comprises at least one nematic compound, at least one chiral dopant
Implementation Method 2
chiral liquid crystal polymer (CLCP) layer
Implementation Method 3
at least one photoinitiator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Disclosed is a marking for an article, item or substrate. The marking comprises a printable code, at least a part of which is covered by a chiral liquid crystal polymer (CLCP) layer, and further preferably including an intermediate layer including a distribution of flakes,to provide readable information of at least two different types on the article.