3D Structural Element for Product Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating spatial impressions, such as holograms and security elements on products, are often complex and costly, making them inefficient for cost-effective production.
Innovation Solution
A structural element combining a reflection image structure with a relief surface and a semi-transparent or opaque color image, where the reflection image structure and color image can be independently produced and arranged with low positional accuracy, using printing and embossing techniques to create a three-dimensional representation of an object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If holograms or complex security elements are used to create spatial impressions, then the three-dimensional effect is improved, but the production cost and technical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the structural element into distinct functional layers: a relief structure layer that provides the three-dimensional shape, a carrier layer that supports the structure, and a color layer that adds visual information. This segmentation allows each layer to be produced and optimized independently, simplifying the overall production process while maintaining the three-dimensional effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses printing techniques to create color images that are superimposed on the relief structure. This copying approach allows the three-dimensional form to be achieved through simple embossing or debossing of the carrier layer, rather than requiring complex holographic materials or multi-step manufacturing processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment between color image and relief structure is required, then the visual quality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color printing to areas that extend beyond the exact boundaries of the relief structure. This excessive coverage ensures that even with variations in alignment during manufacturing, the color image remains visually integrated with the three-dimensional form, eliminating the need for precise alignment while maintaining visual quality.
3Illumination intensity
If vapor-deposition methods are used for the reflective layer, then the reflective quality is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive vapor-deposition methods with conventional printing techniques using pigments or dyes in the color layer. This substitution uses readily available, cost-effective materials and equipment while achieving sufficient visual effects for product identification and security purposes.
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
This approach allows for a cost-effective production of a multicolored, three-dimensional representation that maintains its appearance when tilted or rotated, providing a secure and visually appealing identifier for products without the need for expensive vapor-deposition methods.
Implementation Method 1
The structural element includes a reflection image structure of an object and a color image of the object. The reflection image structure includes a relief structure with relief elements in a surface of the product or the product packaging and a reflective layer.
Implementation Method 2
The colored image and/or the reflective layer are semi-transparent. The color image is a printed, multicolored color image of the object.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Product or product packaging with a structural element (100), which gives an object a three-dimensional appearance, wherein the structural element (100) comprises: - a reflection image structure (120) of the object, which comprises a relief structure with relief elements (121, 122) in a surface of the product or of the product packaging and a reflective layer (130), wherein the reflection image structure (120) makes the object appear three-dimensional against the surface to the viewer; and - a printed-on, multicoloured colour image (140) of the object, which is arranged in relation to the reflection image structure in such a way that the object appears multicoloured and three-dimensional to the viewer; wherein the colour image (140) and/or the reflective layer (120) are semitransparent.