Color-Tilting Security Element With Decoupled Optical Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Undesirable coupling effects between structures and color-tilting optical effect layers in security elements lead to weakened colors and reduced perceptibility of the color tilting effect, compromising counterfeit protection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating structures with a depth of greater than 500 nm, preferably light-diffracting embossed structures, and using an optical effect layer comprising an absorber and spacer layer with specific materials, along with a reflective layer, to enhance the security element's counterfeit protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If structures are added to the security element, then counterfeit protection is improved, but coupling effects with the optical effect layer weaken the colors and reduce perceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful coupling effects by introducing a gap between the structures and the optical effect layer, separating the two components to eliminate their harmful interaction while preserving their individual functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (clear coating or adhesive layer) between the structures and the optical effect layer, which acts as a mediator to prevent direct contact and harmful coupling effects while maintaining the security element's functionality
2Area of stationary object
If the optical effect layer is applied over structures, then coverage is improved, but color strength and perceptibility of color tilting effect are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical effect layer from direct contact with the structures by introducing a gap, allowing the optical effect layer to be applied to a flat surface rather than conforming to structured surfaces, thereby maintaining color strength and perceptibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (clear coating or adhesive layer) between the structures and the optical effect layer, which serves as a mediator to enable uniform optical effect layer application while preventing degradation of color properties
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 significantly enhances the perceptibility and durability of the color tilting effect, thereby improving the security element's counterfeit protection.
Implementation Method 1
the optical effect layer comprises an absorber layer and a spacer layer
Implementation Method 2
the optical effect layer comprises an absorber layer and a spacer layer
Implementation Method 3
the optical effect layer comprises an absorber layer and a spacer layer
Data Source
AI summary
A security element, in particular for value papers, security papers or security articles, such as banknotes, identification cards or credit cards, has at least one region with structures, wherein at least one color-tilting optical effect layer is provided which produces a color-tilting effect when viewed from a first face of the security element in the at least one first region, and the structures are covered over the entire surface or partially by the at least one optical effect layer, wherein the structures have a depth (T) of greater than 500 nm, in particular between 500 nm and 4 μm.