Vehicle Identification Marking System Using Fluorescent Paint Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle identification systems, such as VIN and HIN, are vulnerable to theft as they can be easily detected and altered by thieves, making it difficult to uniquely identify stolen vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a fluorescent material to the paint layers of a vehicle's surface, allowing the unique identification to migrate into the paint layers, becoming invisible at normal angles but visible at acute angles without UV light, and remaining even if the upper paint layer is removed or the vehicle is repainted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional VIN/HIN markings are applied to visible locations on vehicles, then identification is easily achieved, but the markings become vulnerable to theft and alteration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent marking material with specific optical properties to specific locations on the vehicle. The marking material has different visibility characteristics under different viewing conditions - invisible or difficult to detect under normal lighting at normal angles, but visible under ultraviolet light or at acute angles. This local quality approach creates areas of different detectability on the vehicle surface, protecting the identification from thieves while maintaining reliability for legitimate identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescent materials that change their optical properties based on lighting conditions. The marking material appears invisible or nearly invisible under normal daylight conditions when viewed at normal angles, but becomes highly visible under ultraviolet light illumination. This color/optical property change enables the same marking to serve dual purposes: remaining hidden from potential thieves while being easily detectable by law enforcement or owners using UV light.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If fluorescent marking material is applied to paint layers, then the identification becomes invisible at normal angles, but it remains visible at acute angles without UV light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates asymmetric visibility characteristics in the marking system. The fluorescent material embedded in the paint layers exhibits different visibility depending on the viewing angle - at normal (perpendicular) angles to the surface, the marking is invisible or difficult to detect, while at acute (oblique) angles, the marking becomes visible without requiring UV light. This asymmetric optical property allows the same marking to be hidden from direct frontal views while remaining accessible from side viewing positions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the identification is embedded in paint layers, then it remains visible after repainting, but the application process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the fluorescent marking material within the paint layer structure itself, nesting the identification within the vehicle's existing paint system. The marking material is applied to the vehicle surface and becomes integrated into the paint layers, with excess material removed to leave the identification embedded within the paint matrix. This nesting approach ensures that when additional paint layers are applied over time, the embedded fluorescent identification remains trapped within the paint structure, providing long-term durability without requiring separate protective measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the identification marking at the time of vehicle manufacture or initial painting, before any future repainting operations. By embedding the fluorescent material in the paint layers during the initial coating process, the identification is established in advance and will automatically remain protected and visible even after subsequent repainting operations. This preliminary action eliminates the need for future re-marking and simplifies long-term maintenance.
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 system provides a secure, nearly invisible vehicle identification that is difficult for thieves to detect, yet easily identifiable when needed, ensuring that vehicles can be tracked and recovered effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorescent material is permitted to migrate into the at least one paint layer
Implementation Method 2
The unique discrete identification created by fluorescent material migrated into the at least one paint layer is visible at an acute angle to the object surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying an object comprising providing an vehicle having on a surface thereof at least one layer of paint, such as a urethane-based paint. A unique alphanumeric identification is applied to the paint layer with a fluorescent material at a selected unrevealed location thereon. The fluorescent material is permitted to migrate into the at least one paint layer, while an excess amount of fluorescent material remains on the at least one paint layer. Thereupon, the excess amount of fluorescent material is removed from the at least one paint layer with a solvent. The unique discrete identification created by fluorescent material migrated into the at least one paint layer is visible at an acute angle to the object surface without use of an ultraviolet light, while being substantially invisible at an angle normal to the object surface.