Anti-Counterfeiting Structure With Weakly Bonded Coating Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information authentication media can be counterfeited by removing optical variable devices (OVDs) from allochroic layers, and existing anti-counterfeiting structures fail to prevent this, especially when OVDs are detached from supporting layers or when images are formed using methods other than laser irradiation.

Innovation Solution

An anti-counterfeiting structure comprising an allochroic layer with a foamable layer and a coating layer, where the coating layer is bonded more weakly than the foamable layer and the OVD, ensuring that when the coating layer is removed, the foamable layer is distorted, leaving a trace that prevents further removal of the OVD.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the coating layer is strongly bonded to the first layer, then the structural integrity is improved, but the optical device can be easily removed for counterfeiting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strength between coating layer and first layerVSAvoidanti-counterfeiting reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the bonding structure into segments with different bonding strengths: the coating layer is weakly bonded to the first layer (allowing easy removal) but the first layer is strongly bonded to the second layer (preventing device removal). This segmentation creates a controlled failure point that prevents counterfeiting while maintaining manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the layered structure have different bonding characteristics. The interface between the coating layer and first layer has weak bonding quality, while the interface between the first layer and second layer has strong bonding quality. This local differentiation in bonding strength enables the anti-counterfeiting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the foamable layer is made foamable, then the trace left upon coating removal is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrace visibility for counterfeiting preventionVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foamable layer's physical state is changed by laser irradiation, transforming it from a dense state to a foamed state. This parameter change (density/volume) creates visible traces when the coating is removed, as the foamed structure deforms differently than non-foamed material would.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical bonding traces with optical/physical traces created by laser-induced foaming. Instead of relying on mechanical deformation or chemical markers, the system uses laser irradiation to create a foamed structure that leaves visible traces, substituting a physical-chemical process for a purely mechanical anti-counterfeiting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If the allochroic layer is made changeable by laser irradiation, then the visible information recording is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisible information recording capabilityVSAvoidlaser energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The allochroic material undergoes a phase transition or chemical transformation when irradiated by laser, changing its optical properties (color, reflectivity, or transparency). This phase change enables information recording through visible alterations in the layer, allowing authentication data to be embedded in the optical device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 configuration effectively prevents counterfeiting by ensuring that the removal of the OVD leaves a visible trace, making it impossible to reuse the OVD in a counterfeit structure, thus enhancing the security of information authentication media.

Implementation Method 1

a first layer that is transmissible to a laser beam, a second layer that is transmissible to the laser beam... One of the first layer and the second layer is a foamable layer having a characteristic of changing from an unfoamed state to a foamed state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser irradiation-induced foaming: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the foamable layer having a characteristic of changing from an unfoamed state to a foamed state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoaming: Foam

Implementation Method 3

an allochroic layer including an allochroic part having a characteristic of changing from a first material to a second material by laser irradiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser irradiation-induced material transformation: Laser

Implementation Method 4

an allochroic layer including an allochroic part having a characteristic of changing from a first material to a second material by laser irradiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAllochroism:

Implementation Method 5

The coating layer and the first layer are bonded together more weakly than the first layer and the second layer are

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3357705B1Counterfeit-preventing structure
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 TOPPAN HOLDINGS INC
  • EP3357705B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3357705B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3357705B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The anti-counterfeiting structure includes an allochroic layer including an allochroic part having a characteristic of changing from a first material to a second material in response to laser irradiation, a first layer transmissible to a laser beam, a second layer transmissible to the laser beam, at least a part of the second layer being located between the allochroic layer and the first layer, and a coating layer transmissible to the laser beam and covering at least the first layer. The coating layer and the first layer are bonded together more weakly than the first layer and the second layer are. One of the first layer and the second layer is a foamable layer having a characteristic of changing from an unfoamed state to a foamed state in response to laser irradiation, while the other of the first layer and the second layer is an optical device.