Fused Layer Security Features in Value Documents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-layer substrates for value documents, such as banknotes, suffer from limited splitting strength and vulnerability to counterfeiting attacks due to detachable layers, which reduces their circulation time and security.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer arrangement featuring overlapping plastic film layers that are welded together using techniques like laser or ultrasonic welding, creating a firm connection and forming a tactile or optically perceptible security feature, thereby enhancing splitting strength and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If layers are laminated or directly extruded to form multi-layer substrates, then the substrates combine properties of different materials, but the layers can become detached and the substrates have limited resistance to splitting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombination of material propertiesVSAvoidsplitting resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Security features are incorporated into the substrate during the manufacturing process before circulation begins, ensuring they are permanently embedded and cannot be added later by counterfeiters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A laser-burnt carbon layer acts as an intermediary between overlapping plastic film layers, enabling strong adhesion through thermal bonding while simultaneously creating identifiable security features that prevent layer separation and counterfeiting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If transfer elements are arranged on the surface of paper substrates, then security features can be added, but the layers have only limited resistance to splitting and can be separated in targeted cleavage attacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity featuresVSAvoidresistance to cleavage attacks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple plastic film layers are merged through overlapping and laser welding to form a unified composite structure where security features are integrated into the substrate itself rather than being separate surface elements, making cleavage attacks ineffective

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical lamination is replaced with laser-based thermal welding, creating stronger bonds between layers and forming permanent security features through controlled carbonization that cannot be replicated by simple mechanical means

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

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 welding process increases the adhesion and stability of the layers, preventing non-destructive detachment and providing a secure, recognizable feature that enhances the document's resistance to splitting attacks and counterfeiting.

Implementation Method 1

a partial area of the overlapping area forming a welding area, in which the first and the second layer are welded to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

welding techniques like laser or ultrasonic welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 3

welding techniques like laser or ultrasonic welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2501552B1Documents of value having fused layers
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 GIESECKEDEVRIENT IP
  • EP2501552B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2501552B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2501552B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a multilayer arrangement for producing a document of value, comprising a first layer made of a plastic film, and a second layer made of paper or a further plastic film, wherein the layers are disposed one above the other at least in one overlapping area, and at least one partial area of the overlapping area forms a fused area in which the first and second layer are fused to each other such that the fused area forms a tactilely and/or optically perceptible identification or security feature of the value document.