Method for characterizing a fiber sample
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-counterfeiting measures in the tobacco industry, particularly for acetate tow in cigarette filters, are susceptible to countermeasures and lack traceability without impacting product performance, requiring a solution that is both detectable and non-intrusive throughout the supply chain.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating identification fibers with distinct features, such as taggant optical properties, into acetate tow bands, which can be traced using imaging technology, allowing for the correlation of these features with supply chain information to track the origin and path of the fibers.
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 readily observable, but these measures are susceptible to destruction, modification, duplication, and repackaging
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 taggant features are taken out from the surface level and integrated into the core material structure, making them inaccessible to conventional counterfeiting methods while maintaining detectability through specialized imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct microscopic cross-sectional shapes (circles, triangles, squares, rectangles) at specific locations within the fiber bundle. Each shape serves as a localized identification marker that can be detected by imaging technology, providing unique quality characteristics to different portions of the fiber structure without affecting overall fiber performance
2Reliability
If covert taggant features are incorporated into fibers, then traceability through supply chain is improved, but detection requires specialized imaging technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the identification system beyond geometric shapes to include color-coded cross-sectional features. Different colors (red, green, blue, yellow, black, white) are assigned to different fiber types or supply chain origins, enabling rapid visual differentiation when combined with imaging technology while maintaining the covert nature of the taggants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specialized imaging technology as an intermediary between the covert taggant features and the detection system. This intermediary device captures images of the fiber cross-sections and enables identification of the microscopic shapes and colors without requiring direct human inspection, bridging the gap between hidden features and detectable information
3Reliability
If fiber cross-sectional shapes are used as taggants, then identification features are embedded in raw materials, but the features must be detectable without altering physical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the cross-sectional geometry (shape, size, orientation) of the fibers as the basis for identification. By varying geometric parameters rather than chemical composition, the system achieves detectable differentiation while maintaining the physical and chemical stability of the fiber material itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite fiber structures where identification features (different cross-sectional shapes and colors) are integrated within a unified fiber bundle. The composite nature allows distinct identification characteristics to coexist with the base fiber material, enabling both traceability and functional performance without compromise
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 detectable means to trace acetate tow fibers throughout the supply chain, enhancing anti-counterfeiting efforts while maintaining product performance and regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the identification fibers exhibits at least one distinct feature. At least one distinct feature comprises at least one taggant optical properties
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)
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AI summary
Disclosed are fibers which contains 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, a fiber band, or yarn. The disclosed embodiments also relate to the method for making and characterizing 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.