Brittle Fracture Layer in Laser-Writable Security Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-writable security labels face issues with document authenticity due to excessive energy input during the creation of the laser-writable layer, which damages the underlying layer system and prevents reliable functioning.
Innovation Solution
A security label structure featuring a laser-writable layer with black aluminum oxide, a transparent protective layer, and a contrast layer, where at least one of the layers is made of a brittle plastic film with an elongation at break of less than 20%, ensuring destruction upon manipulation or detachment, and including a partial release layer for enhanced authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a laser-writable layer is added to a void label, then the label gains laser-writable security features, but the existing layer system is damaged due to excessive energy input during layer creation
Solution Approach 1:
A laser-diffusion barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the laser-writable layer and the void label's layer system. This barrier layer prevents excessive energy penetration during laser-writable layer creation, protecting the underlying release coating and adhesive layers from damage while still allowing the laser-writable layer to function properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser-diffusion barrier layer is pre-positioned in the label structure before the laser-writable layer is applied. This preliminary protective measure ensures that when the laser-writable layer is later exposed to laser energy during writing, the barrier is already in place to diffuse and limit energy penetration, preventing damage to the void label's critical layers.
2Reliability
If the contrast layer is designed as a fracture layer, then document authenticity is enhanced through layer destruction upon manipulation, but the structural integrity of the label is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fracture capability is localized specifically to the contrast layer while other layers maintain their structural integrity. The contrast layer is designed with fracture properties (using brittle plastic film with low elongation at break) to ensure it breaks upon manipulation, while the laser-diffusion barrier layer and other structural layers remain intact to maintain overall label strength and functionality.
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 ensures document authenticity by reliably destroying the layers upon manipulation or removal, maintaining the integrity of the security features and preventing unauthorized tampering.
Implementation Method 1
Such layers can be 'written' by laser exposure, whereby the resulting energy input makes the aluminum oxide layer transparent along the path of the laser beam. The processes responsible for this, which occur due to the energy input, can include evaporation, oxidation, ablation, and the like
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the plurality of layers is designed as a fracture layer made of a brittle plastic film to cause destruction of the at least one fracture layer and the laser-writable layer, and optionally one or more intermediate layers, in the event of manipulation or detachment
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Security label (1) comprising - a laser-writable layer (2) of black aluminium oxide, wherein the laser-writable layer (2) has a top (4) and a bottom (5) which are arranged opposite each other and pointing away from each other, - at least one transparent protective layer (3) which is arranged in front of the laser-writable layer (2) in a first direction (6) to protect the laser-writable layer (2) from external influences, wherein the first direction (6) points from the top (4) to the bottom (5), and - a contrast layer (7) which is arranged behind the laser-writable layer (2) in the first direction (6).According to the invention, at least one of the several layers is designed as a fracture layer (8) made of a brittle plastic film in order to cause the destruction of the at least one fracture layer (8) and the laser-writable layer (2), and optionally one or more intermediate layers, in the event of manipulation or removal of the security label (1) affixed to a substrate (9).