Embedded Workpiece Marking via Carrier Substance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for marking workpieces to distinguish originals from counterfeits are inadequate, particularly for metals, ceramics, and other materials, as surface markings are sensitive to mechanical and chemical attacks and can be easily copied, and embedded markings pose challenges in recycling and material compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece with a depression on its surface containing a carrier substance with a marking substance, which is essentially inseparably connected, allowing for authentication through electromagnetic radiation analysis, and can be destroyed during recycling to prevent marking substance distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surface markings (labels or prints) are applied to identify workpieces, then identification is achieved, but the markings are sensitive to mechanical and chemical attacks and can be detached or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The marking substance is extracted from the surface and placed into a depression or cavity within the workpiece material. This extraction protects the marking from external mechanical and chemical attacks while maintaining its identification function. The marking is no longer on the vulnerable surface but embedded within the material structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking substance is nested within a depression or cavity in the workpiece, creating a protective structure where the marking is housed inside the material rather than on the surface. This nesting provides physical protection while allowing the marking to remain accessible for authentication purposes.
2Reliability
If labels are attached to the surface for identification, then workpieces can be identified, but labels can be copied and detached, providing no effective protection against plagiarism
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is extracted from the removable surface label form and embedded within the workpiece material. This makes the marking an integral part of the workpiece that cannot be easily removed or copied, providing effective anti-counterfeit protection while maintaining identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking substance is merged with the workpiece material by embedding it in a depression within the material. This combining creates a unified structure where the marking becomes part of the workpiece itself, preventing separation and copying while maintaining its identification function.
3Reliability
If markings are embedded in the workpiece, then protection against detachment is achieved, but high melting temperatures can destroy the marking means in metals, glasses and ceramics
Solution Approach 1:
A carrier substance acts as an intermediary between the marking and the workpiece material. This carrier substance has properties that allow it to withstand the processing temperatures of metals, glasses and ceramics while holding the marking substance. The carrier protects the marking from thermal destruction during high-temperature processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking system uses a composite structure consisting of a carrier substance and marking substance. The carrier substance is selected to have thermal stability matching the workpiece material, creating a composite marking system that can survive high-temperature processing while maintaining the identification function.
4Measurement precision
If a depression with opening width of at least 0.2 mm is created to accommodate carrier substance, then authentication through electromagnetic radiation analysis is enabled, but the workpiece structure is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The depression is created only in the local area where the marking is needed, rather than modifying the entire workpiece structure. This localized modification provides the necessary space for the carrier substance and authentication while minimizing impact on the overall workpiece geometry and properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The depression opening width is set to at least 0.2 mm, which is sufficient to allow electromagnetic radiation to interact with the marking substance for authentication. This partial modification provides adequate access for measurement while maintaining the structural integrity and appearance of the workpiece.
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 secure marking system that is resistant to mechanical and chemical damage, suitable for various materials, and can be effectively recycled, ensuring the marking substance is not distributed in new products, while allowing for efficient authentication.
Implementation Method 1
a simple analysis of the marking substance can be carried out with the help of electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a workpiece having a recess with an opening depth of at least 0.2 mm on the surface thereof, a carrier material connected substantially inseparably to the workpiece being arranged in said recess, said carrier material containing a marking substance characteristic of the workpiece; the invention further relates to a method for the production of such a workpiece and a method for authentication and/or identification of the workpiece.