Asymmetric Embossing Tool for Directional Security Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embossing tools produce optically variable security elements with tilting effects that appear the same from all viewing directions, requiring increased technical complexity to create varying effects, and are sensitive to processing and wear.
Innovation Solution
The embossing tool features channel-shaped depressions with flanks of different angles of inclination, forming asymmetric grooves, and includes flat areas between flanks aligned parallel to the surface, reducing sensitivity to processing and wear, and allowing for varying tilting effects based on viewing direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If prismatic or pyramidal embossed structures with symmetric flanks are used, then the tilting effect appears the same from all viewing directions, but increased technical complexity is required to create varying tilting effects from different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing embossed structures with flanks that have different angles of inclination relative to the embossing plate surface. Specifically, at least one flank has a different angle than its opposite flank, creating asymmetric geometric shapes. This asymmetry causes the optically variable effect to appear differently when viewed from different directions, eliminating the need for complex multi-directional structures while achieving viewing direction dependency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional embossed structures are added to flanks to create varying tilting effects, then viewing direction dependency is achieved, but processing complexity and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves viewing direction dependency through asymmetric flank angles in the basic embossed structure geometry, rather than adding additional embossed structures. This approach simplifies the manufacturing process by requiring only single-pass engraving of the embossing plate, reducing processing complexity while maintaining the ability to produce varying tilting effects from different viewing directions.
3Illumination intensity
If steep flank angles are used to create strong tilting effects, then optical variability is enhanced, but sensitivity to processing errors and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the angles of inclination of different flanks. At least one flank has a different angle than its opposite flank, allowing optimization of optical effects in specific local areas while maintaining overall structural stability. This localized variation in flank angles enables strong tilting effects from certain directions while preserving processing tolerance through careful angle selection.
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 embossed structures with a tilting effect that changes with viewing direction, reducing processing complexity and wear, while maintaining durability and adhesion, suitable for various engraving methods including laser engraving.
Implementation Method 1
the optically variable structure exhibiting a tilting effect when the security element is tilted about an axis
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an embossing tool for manufacturing a security element with an optically variable structure, wherein the optically variable structure exhibits a tilting effect when the security element is tilted about an axis. The embossing tool consists of an embossing plate with a surface, the surface of which has a plurality of substantially parallel, channel-shaped recesses. These channel-shaped recesses each consist of a first and a second flank, which are opposite each other, with the first flank of one recess and the second flank of the recess adjacent to it converging towards the surface of the embossing plate. Furthermore, a flat area, oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the embossing plate, is arranged between the first flank of one recess and the second flank of the recess adjacent to it.According to the invention, the first flank of each groove-shaped depression has a different angle of inclination relative to the surface of the embossing plate than the corresponding second, opposite flank.