Subsurface Identification Markers for Leather Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traceability methods for leather and leather-like materials are inadequate due to the harsh mechanical and chemical processes involved in leather manufacturing, which often damage or destroy surface-based identification markers, and there is a need for a solution that does not alter the material's characteristics or visibility during processing.
Innovation Solution
A methodology involving the permanent embedding of sub-micrometric ceramic or metallic particles as identification markers, using a tattoo-gun-like device, which responds differently to electromagnetic stimuli, ensuring resistance to thermal, mechanical, and chemical processes, and remains invisible post-processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surface-based identification markers are used for traceability, then identification is achieved, but the markers are damaged or destroyed by harsh mechanical and chemical processes during leather manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-based markers to subsurface markers by embedding identification markers at a depth of 0.5-2.0 mm within the leather material. This dimensional change from surface to subsurface placement protects the markers from mechanical damage, chemical treatment, and thermal processing while maintaining traceability functionality throughout the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification markers are embedded into the leather material before the manufacturing process begins. This preliminary action ensures that the markers are in place to withstand subsequent harsh processing conditions including mechanical working, chemical tanning, and thermal treatments, thereby maintaining traceability throughout the entire manufacturing cycle.
2Strength
If markers are embedded deeply enough to resist processing, then marker durability is improved, but the markers may become visible or alter material characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise embedding parameters including depth (0.5-2.0 mm), spacing (2-10 mm), and orientation of markers to achieve optimal local quality. This controlled local placement ensures markers are deep enough to resist processing damage but not so deep or numerous as to affect material appearance or characteristics, balancing durability with aesthetic requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including marker embedding depth (0.5-2.0 mm), marker spacing (2-10 mm), and marker size to achieve the desired balance between durability and invisibility. By carefully controlling these parameters, the markers remain resistant to processing while staying invisible and preserving material characteristics.
3Loss of information
If conventional tagging methods are used, then identification information can be attached, but the tags cannot withstand the harsh mechanical, thermal, and chemical processes of leather manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from separate physical tags and integrates it directly into the leather material through embedded markers. This integration eliminates the weakness of external tags that can be damaged or removed during processing, while maintaining the ability to store and retrieve identification information throughout the manufacturing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the identification marker with the leather material itself by embedding the markers within the material matrix. This combination creates a unified structure where the markers become an integral part of the leather, resistant to the mechanical, chemical, and thermal processes that would separate or damage conventional external tags.
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
This method provides reliable and non-destructive traceability throughout the leather manufacturing process, preventing fraudulent substitutions and ensuring the integrity and quality of the final product by embedding markers beneath the surface, making them resistant to processing conditions and invisible to the naked eye.
Implementation Method 1
stimulating the leather or leather-like material to be traced with a specific electromagnetic radiation produced by the generating device (step ii.); acquiring the response of the marked leather or leather-like material to the electromagnetic stimulus (step iii.)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention pertains to a methodology for the identification and traceability of materials in industrial process, with particular focus on the traceability of leather and leather-like materials throughout the manufacturing process of leather or leather-like products. Said methodology comprises, at least, the employment of the following: identification markers (3); a method for permanently embedding the markers inside the item (2) to be traced; a device for generating an electromagnetic signal to be used as stimulus for the marked material; a device for acquiring the response of the marked material to the applied stimulus; and a device for recording the aforementioned response.