Coded Identification Fibers for Cigarette Filter Supply Traceability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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, detected, and integrated into cigarette filters without impacting performance or requiring regulatory approval.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating identification fibers with distinct features, such as taggants with optical properties, into acetate tow bands, which can be used to track the supply chain information of cigarette components, allowing for the identification of the source of illicit cigarettes through imaging technology.
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 easily observable, but these measures are susceptible to destruction, modification, duplication, or relabeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from overt visible features and embeds it within the fiber structure itself through microscopic cross-sectional shapes. The taggants are taken out from the surface level and integrated into the core material structure, making them invisible to naked eye observation but detectable through imaging technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct cross-sectional shapes at specific locations within the fiber structure. Each fiber segment has a unique local geometric quality (cross-sectional shape) that serves as an identification code, while the overall fiber maintains its functional properties for filtration.
2Reliability
If physical features are altered to provide covert tracking, then countermeasures become more difficult, but detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical detection methods (visual inspection, physical tags) with optical imaging technology. The identification system transitions from mechanical features visible to the naked eye to optical properties (cross-sectional shapes) detectable through imaging systems, enabling automated and precise detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses geometric shape variations as the identification code instead of color changes. The cross-sectional shapes of the fibers serve as the distinguishing feature, which can be detected through imaging technology without requiring color differentiation or additional optical filters.
3Loss of information
If taggants are incorporated into fibers, then supply chain tracking is enabled, but fiber performance properties may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fiber structure into distinct cross-sectional shapes along the fiber length or within the fiber band. Each segment's geometric configuration encodes supply chain information, while the segmentation is designed to maintain the overall structural integrity and functional performance of the fiber for filtration applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters (cross-sectional shape, size, orientation) of the fiber taggants to encode information. These parameter changes are carefully controlled to ensure they do not significantly impact the fiber's functional properties such as filtration efficiency, porosity, and mechanical strength.
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 robust and difficult-to-alter method for tracing the origin of acetate tow and cigarettes, enhancing the ability to combat illicit trade by ensuring that the traceability of acetate tow does not compromise the performance of cigarette filters and is readily accepted by manufacturers and consumers.
Implementation Method 1
At least one distinct feature comprises at least one taggant optical properties
Implementation Method 2
At least one distinct feature comprises at least one taggant optical properties
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are fibers which contain identification fibers. The identification fibers can contain a plurality of distinct features, or taggants, which vary among the fibers and/or along the length of the identification fibers, tow band, or yarn. The disclosed embodiments also relate to the method for making the fibers. Characterization of the fibers can include identifying distinct features, combinations of distinct features, and number of fibers with various combinations of distinct features and correlating the distinct features to supply chain information. The supply chain information can be used to track the fibers, fiber band, or yarn from manufacturing through intermediaries, conversion to final product, and/or the consumer.