Electrostatic Micro-Drop Distribution for Unique Sign Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing graphic printing methods using microencapsulation struggle with the rigidity of micro-drop distribution density, particularly in creating unique signs with selective chromatic density, and face challenges in distinguishing originals from photocopies due to the complexity of re-reading and comparing unique signs.

Innovation Solution

The method employs electrostatic attraction and laser-beam barriers to dose and distribute microencapsulated colors and glitters on paper, creating a unique sign with a two-dimensional alphanumeric code at the center, allowing for precise and secure remote reading and differentiation between originals and photocopies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If micro-drops of color or inks are mixed with microencapsulated glitters and sprayed, then unique signs can be created, but the distribution density of micro-drops is rigid and difficult to control selectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution density controlVSAvoidspraying system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spraying system with an electrostatic distribution system. Microencapsulated glitters and colored inks are distributed through electrostatic attraction to the paper surface, allowing precise control of distribution density without the complexity of mechanical spraying mechanisms. This enables selective chromatic density while simplifying the overall device architecture.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of material distribution from mechanical spray velocity and pressure to electrostatic field strength and charge distribution. By controlling electrostatic parameters, the system achieves flexible adjustment of micro-drop distribution density, enabling selective chromatic density control that was not possible with rigid spraying systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If micro-drops are squeezed between rollers and counter-rollers, then unique signs are generated, but the procedure is complex and requires absorbent paper

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplification of procedureVSAvoidroller and counter-roller system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex roller and counter-roller squeezing mechanism from the system. Instead of using mechanical compression between rollers, the invention achieves the squeezing effect through laser beam barriers that directly作用于 the microencapsulated materials on the paper surface, eliminating the need for absorbent paper and simplifying the entire procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical roller squeezing system with a laser-based optical system. Laser beams are used to squeeze and burst the microencapsulated glitters and colored inks directly on the paper, eliminating mechanical contact and the complexity of roller systems while achieving the same unique sign generation effect.

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

3Reliability

If traditional unique signs are created without structured patterns, then random patterns are generated, but re-reading and remote comparison become complex and less secure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of identificationVSAvoidpattern structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the unique sign into a structured pattern consisting of multiple colored areas arranged in a specific configuration, with a two-dimensional alphanumeric code at the center. This segmentation into distinct functional elements (colored regions for uniqueness, central code for identification) enhances both security through structured verification and ease of remote re-reading compared to random patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If electrostatic distribution and laser-beam barrier squeezing are used, then precise and clear unique signs are obtained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of unique signVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic or pulsed action in the laser beam barriers, activating them only when needed to squeeze and burst microencapsulated materials at specific locations. This periodic activation rather than continuous operation maintains high precision in unique sign generation while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous laser or electrostatic field application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach results in a clearer, more precise unique sign that can be easily read and compared remotely, using mobile devices or portable readers, with enhanced security and simplicity in distinguishing originals from photocopies.

Implementation Method 1

using electrostatic charge, the distribution of the microcapsules of colours and glitters creating can be dosed and regulated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

squeezing and anchorage thereof on paper using a laser-beam barrier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3036111B1Method for providing directly on a graphic printing line a unique coloured sign with reflecting dots, having an alphanumeric code inscribed at the centre, for filing and reading the original and comparing it with a fake
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 SELVA CLAUDIO
  • EP3036111B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to propose a method in which encapsulated micro-drops of colour are electrostatically attracted and squeezed not with a roller and counter-roller but with laser-beam barriers. With this new system a new unique sign is obtained that is simpler to read and file and easier to re-read remotely with any mobile-phone apparatus or a purposely provided portable apparatus, and then compare with the one previously filed. To sum up, the three innovations that are described in this new invention are a new pattern of the unique sign obtained with micro-encapsulation of chromatic colours, blind colours/inks or ones variable on the basis of the various ranges of wavelength and frequency of exposure, magnetic colours, and glitters, the distribution of the micro-drops of colour (25, 26, 27, 28) and of the encapsulated glitters (29, 30) obtained electrostatically, and squeezing and anchorage thereof on paper using a laser barrier.