Multicomponent Identification Fibers for Acetate Tow Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-counterfeiting measures in the textile industry, particularly for acetate tow used in cigarette filters, are susceptible to countermeasures and do not provide reliable traceability without impacting product performance or requiring regulatory approvals.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of multicomponent fibers with distinct features, such as taggant segment counts, shapes, sizes, and geometrical relationships, embedded within acetate tow bands, which can be detected using imaging technology to track supply chain information without altering the product's performance.
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, and repackaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from overt visible features and embeds it within the fiber structure itself through multicomponent construction. The taggant segments are integrated into the fiber cross-section, making identification features inherent to the material rather than superficial additions that can be easily removed or altered.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested identification structures where taggant segments are embedded within the fiber matrix. The multicomponent fiber contains multiple distinct segments (different polymers, colors, or materials) nested within a single fiber structure, creating layered identification that is difficult to replicate or alter without destroying the fiber itself.
2Reliability
If multicomponent fibers with taggant segments are embedded in acetate tow, then reliable tracking and tracing is achieved, but the complexity of fiber characterization and detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color as a primary differentiation mechanism for taggant segments. Different polymer components are assigned distinct colors, allowing optical detection systems to easily distinguish and count various segment types. This color-coding approach simplifies the detection process compared to analyzing complex structural variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies multiple parameters of the taggant segments including color, polymer composition, segment size, and segment shape to create diverse identification codes. By changing these physical parameters, the system can encode extensive supply chain information while maintaining detectability through standard optical imaging and image analysis techniques.
3Reliability
If physical features of raw materials are altered to provide covert taggants, then counterfeiting becomes more difficult, but the physical properties of fibers and derivative articles may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite fiber construction where multicomponent identification fibers are blended with standard acetate fibers. The taggant segments are formed from different polymers than the base fiber material, creating a composite structure that maintains the functional properties of the primary material while incorporating identification features. This allows the acetate tow to retain its filtration performance while gaining traceability capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies identification features locally within specific regions of the fiber structure rather than altering the entire fiber uniformly. The taggant segments are concentrated in discrete locations within the fiber cross-section, allowing the bulk of the fiber to maintain its original physical and chemical properties while containing embedded identification code in localized areas.
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
Enables reliable tracking and tracing of acetate tow and cigarette filters through distinct feature detection, reducing counterfeiting and illicit trade while maintaining product integrity and regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the groups of the distinguishable identification fibers, and counting a number of each of the distinguishable identification fiber to determine the fiber counts of each group
Data Source
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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 of the fibers, a fiber band, or. 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 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.