Smoking Article Machine-Readable Pattern via Laser Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generation devices face challenges in authenticating smoking articles due to the ease of counterfeiting and damage to printed patterns, which affects the safety and quality of the aerosol generated.
Innovation Solution
A smoking article with a machine-readable pattern formed by recesses and protrusions on its surface, created using complex techniques like laser ablation, which is resistant to damage and difficult to counterfeit, and can be read by sensors to authenticate the article.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printed patterns are used for authentication, then the authentication process is simple, but the pattern is easy to counterfeit and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional printed optical patterns with mechanically formed patterns created by laser ablation. This substitution transforms the authentication mechanism from relying on visual printing to relying on physically etched micro-structures, which are much more difficult to counterfeit while maintaining machine-readable detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and formation method of the pattern from surface printing to subsurface laser ablation. The laser ablation process creates patterns with specific depth, three-dimensional structure, and material property changes that are not achievable through conventional printing, thereby enhancing security while preserving readability
2Ease of manufacture
If printed patterns are used on the article, then the implementation is straightforward, but the pattern can be easily damaged or altered during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile printed patterns with robust laser-ablated patterns. The laser ablation process removes material to create permanent, three-dimensional micro-structures that are embedded in or on the surface of the article, making them resistant to damage from handling, bending, or environmental exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional printed patterns to three-dimensional laser-ablated structures. The laser ablation creates patterns with depth and volumetric characteristics, adding a vertical dimension that increases structural integrity and resistance to damage while maintaining the horizontal information encoding
3Reliability
If laser ablation is used to create the pattern, then the pattern is resistant to counterfeiting and damage, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs laser ablation technology that can be integrated into existing manufacturing lines, where the laser system automatically creates the authentication patterns during or after the article manufacturing process. This self-integrating approach minimizes additional manufacturing complexity while delivering high-security patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The laser ablation process serves multiple functions: it creates the authentication pattern, can simultaneously modify material properties for enhanced durability, and can be applied to various article materials and types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate authentication marker application steps, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity
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 secure and reliable method for authenticating smoking articles, ensuring the origin and quality of the aerosol generation process, while maintaining the integrity of the pattern even during handling.
Implementation Method 1
the pattern is formed by a plurality of recesses in and/or protrusions from the surface area, or perforations of the layer in the surface area... the device to make the pattern is complex, for example a laser ablation device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a smoking article (1) comprising an information code (101). More specifically, a smoking article for use in an aerosol generation device (2), comprises a machine-readable pattern (101) representing coded data on a surface area (102) of a layer comprised by the smoking article, wherein the pattern is formed by a plurality of recesses in and/or protrusions from the surface area, or perforations of the layer in the surface area.