Copper-Based Opacity Layer for Secure Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scratch-off products face security issues due to unauthorized detection techniques, and current solutions to increase opacity are costly and lack industry-wide standards, while also failing to prevent alteration of the substrate.

Innovation Solution

A secure printable substrate is designed with a copper-based opacity layer sandwiched between a base layer and a background layer, incorporating inkjet receptive layers, which enhances opacity and scratch resistance, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional opacity-increasing methods are used, then security against unauthorized detection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unauthorized detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the substrate by incorporating a copper-based opacity layer that specifically blocks visible light while maintaining transparency to other wavelengths. This parameter change achieves enhanced security against unauthorized detection methods like candling while avoiding the need for costly traditional opacity-increasing materials or multi-layer structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material structure combining a copper-based opacity layer with the base substrate material. This composite approach provides effective light blocking for security purposes while maintaining cost-effectiveness, as the copper-based layer can be applied as a thin coating rather than requiring thick or multiple layers of traditional opaque materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If substrate thickness is increased to prevent detection, then security is improved, but scratch resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against detectionVSAvoidscratch resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing thickness in the vertical dimension, the patent addresses security by adding a functional layer with specific optical properties (copper-based opacity layer). This dimensional approach allows achieving light blocking without compromising the mechanical strength and scratch resistance of the substrate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The copper-based opacity layer forms a composite structure with the substrate that provides security functionality without requiring increased substrate thickness, thereby preserving the substrate's inherent scratch resistance and mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional opacity materials are used, then light blocking is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisible light transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical transmission parameters by using copper-based materials that naturally block visible light while being cost-effective. This parameter change achieves effective light blocking without the need for expensive traditional opaque materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The copper-based opacity layer can be applied as a thin, cost-effective coating that provides sufficient light blocking functionality. This approach uses economical materials rather than expensive traditional opaque materials, reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the desired security effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 copper-based opacity layer effectively blocks visible light, preventing unauthorized viewing of hidden indicia, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and improving scratch resistance, thus enhancing the security of scratch-off products.

Implementation Method 1

The copper-based opacity layer effectively blocks visible light, preventing unauthorized viewing of hidden indicia

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10933681B2Secure substrate

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 APPVION LLC

AI summary

A secure substrate may include a base layer and an opacity layer disposed above the base layer. An optional background layer may be disposed above the opacity layer. The secure substrate may further include an inkjet receptive layer. A first inkjet receptive layer may be disposed above the background layer, and a second inkjet layer may be disposed below the base layer. The opacity layer may include copper such as metallic copper flakes or other particles. The opacity layer may also include a binder material such as polyvinyl alcohol, and in some cases also carbon black, process black, or the like.