Liquid Propelling Component Authentication via Insulated Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in verifying the authenticity and quality of liquid propelling components, as non-trusted or unauthorized manufacturers can produce components that result in unreliable performance, damage to host devices, or void warranties, particularly in applications like 2D and 3D printing, forensic labs, and healthcare.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a unique identification system within the liquid propelling components using analogue electrical characteristics, specifically through the use of a second conductor insulated from liquid, which generates a digital code that can be compared to a pre-encoded value to authenticate the component's authorized manufacture and proper calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid propelling components are manufactured by unauthorized parties, then cost may be reduced, but reliability and quality of performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encoding authentication data during the manufacturing process itself. The authentication system is built into the component before it reaches the user, with unique identifiers and calibration data written to memory during fabrication. This allows verification to occur before the component is even installed in the host device, preventing unauthorized components from being used while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating digital replicas of authentication data. The host device stores reference authentication data, and this same authentication information is copied into the liquid propelling component during manufacturing. By comparing the copied authentication data in the component against the reference data in the host device, the system can verify authenticity without requiring complex physical verification mechanisms.
2Reliability
If authentication systems are implemented in liquid propelling components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the authentication system to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same memory structure and data encoding mechanisms used for authentication also store calibration data and component identification information. The authentication data can be verified by the host device, and the same system can provide traceability and quality control information, making the authentication infrastructure multi-functional rather than a separate dedicated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the liquid propelling component to automatically provide its own authentication verification. The component contains all necessary authentication data and can respond to verification requests from the host device without requiring external authentication hardware or manual verification. The component essentially authenticates itself by presenting its embedded authentication data, reducing the burden on the host device and simplifying the overall system.
3Manufacturing precision
If unique identification systems are incorporated in components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the authentication data storage with the existing memory structures already present in the liquid propelling component. Rather than adding separate authentication hardware or dedicated verification circuits, the system integrates authentication data into the component's existing memory architecture. This allows authentication functionality to be combined with existing identification and calibration storage, reducing the impact on manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid propelling component includes a liquid channel, a circuit block. The circuit block includes a first conductor disposed in the liquid channel to be in contact with liquid in the channel and a second conductor insulated from liquid in the channel. The liquid propelling component further includes a memory storing a digital code that corresponds to an analog value of the second conductor under a predefined charge.