Nonwoven Material Encoded Information via Microstructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for embedding optically readable information in nonwoven materials lack the ability to create stable and uniform patterns that can encode meaningful data, especially when the information needs to be invisible to the naked eye and require sophisticated decoding techniques.
Innovation Solution
A nonwoven material with a pattern formed by variations in microstructure, such as fiber grade, carding velocity, hydroentangling parameters, and embossing techniques, which can be read using optical devices to decode embedded information, and a system that includes an embossing sleeve and hydroentanglement for precise pattern creation, allowing for both macroscopic and microscopic encoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If digital watermarking technology is used to embed optically readable information in nonwoven materials, then information can be encoded and decoded, but the pattern stability and uniformity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying multiple process parameters including carding velocity, hydroentangling water pressure, dewatering vacuum grade, and drying temperature to create distinct, stable microstructural patterns. These parameter variations produce consistent optical property differences that enable reliable information encoding while maintaining pattern stability throughout production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating specific microstructural variations in different regions of the nonwoven material. By controlling fiber orientation, density, and bonding characteristics in localized areas through targeted process parameter adjustments, the patent generates distinct optical properties in specific zones that encode information while maintaining overall material consistency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If microstructure variations are used to form patterns for information encoding, then stable and uniform patterns can be created, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the inherent properties of the nonwoven manufacturing process itself to create the encoding patterns. The hydroentangling and drying processes naturally produce microstructural variations based on the controlled parameter inputs, eliminating the need for separate pattern application equipment or post-processing steps. The material essentially encodes the information through its own structural response to process conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the information encoding function with the existing nonwoven manufacturing process. By integrating pattern creation into the carding, hydroentangling, and drying operations, the patent eliminates separate encoding steps. The same equipment that forms the nonwoven material also creates the information-carrying microstructural patterns, reducing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If embossing and hydroentanglement are used for precise pattern creation, then information encoding accuracy improves, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous production flow by performing embossing and hydroentanglement operations in an integrated, continuous manner rather than as separate batch processes. The nonwoven material passes continuously through zones where embossing patterns are applied and hydroentangling bonds the fibers, with both operations occurring simultaneously along the production line, thereby maintaining high manufacturing speed while achieving precise pattern encoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the embossing patterns and hydroentangling parameters before the material passes through the processing zones. The embossing sleeves and hydroentangling apparatus are pre-set with the exact patterns and force parameters needed, allowing the material to be processed at optimal speed without real-time adjustments, thus maintaining both precision and productivity.
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 the creation of stable and uniform embossed patterns that can encode and decode information, including steganographic markings, allowing for unique identification and triggering events, such as augmented reality effects, while maintaining invisibility to the naked eye.
Implementation Method 1
the nonwoven material according to the invention has been subjected to thermoembossing
Implementation Method 2
the pattern is formed of differences in the microstructure of the web, caused by variations in e.g. fibre grade, fibre type, carding velocity, line velocity and the difference between these velocities; or in hydroentangling parameters such as water pressure, dewatering as determined through hole size and vacuum grade
Data Source
AI summary
A nonwoven is provided having a pattern displaying at least two groups of areas having different optical properties distinguishable to reading and decoding equipment. The pattern may be arise from differences in the microstructure of the web. The nonwoven material may have an embossed pattern having a basic, static component and a dynamic component which varies within a given length of the nonwoven web. Further, a method is provided for obtaining information from a nonwoven web, comprising observing the web surface using an optical reading device, collecting data based on differences in optical properties in the web surface, storing in a digital memory a pattern based on the collected data and comparing the stored pattern to a collection of previously stored patterns.