Hologram Integration in Security Documents via Lamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for integrating holograms into security documents face challenges such as the risk of forgery due to potential separation of hologram films from the document body and the complexity of applying protective layers in liquid form, which requires careful processing.

Innovation Solution

A method where a hologram film, with a carrier substrate layer and a photo layer, is formed in a single lamination step with a hardenable protective film laminated directly onto the photo layer before lamination, creating a secure and durable security document body without the need for adhesives or complex handling of protective layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hologram film is adhered to a lamination body using an adhesive, then the hologram can be integrated into the security document, but the adhesive bond becomes vulnerable to attacks by forgers seeking to separate the hologram film from the document body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against forgeryVSAvoidadhesive bond strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the adhesive layer from the security document structure. By integrating the hologram film directly into the lamination body without using adhesives, the vulnerable intermediate bonding layer is removed, preventing forgers from exploiting adhesive bonds to separate and manipulate the hologram film.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a protective layer is applied in liquid form onto the exposed photo layer, then the hologram film is protected, but the processing becomes complex and requires very careful handling to form a homogeneous protective layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of hologram filmVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the liquid application method with a film-based protective layer. Instead of applying liquid protective coating that requires careful processing to achieve homogeneity, a pre-formed protective film is used, which eliminates the complex liquid application process and associated handling requirements while providing reliable protection.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If a protective lacquer layer is applied as a liquid protective layer, then the hologram film receives protection, but the liquid form requires careful processing to ensure homogeneous coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of protective layerVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a flexible protective film instead of liquid protective lacquer. This thin film can be precisely positioned and adhered to the hologram film, ensuring homogeneous coverage and precise manufacturing quality while dramatically improving ease of operation during the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enhances security against forgery by ensuring strong adhesion of the hologram film to the substrate layers and simplifies the manufacturing process, providing a stable and durable security document body resistant to delamination.

Implementation Method 1

The photo layer is usually in the form of an emulsion that includes a photopolymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

a curable protective film is laminated directly onto the photo layer before the lamination process is carried out on the hologram film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV curing: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3393801B1Method for integrating a hologram into the body of a security document
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3393801B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3393801B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3393801B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for integrating a hologram into the body (1) of a security document comprising a laminated body (2), the method comprising the steps: providing a holographic film (10) comprising a backing substrate layer and a photo layer (12); Providing additional substrate layers (110-150); carrying out a laminating process in order to form the laminated body, the holographic film (10) together with the additional substrate layers (110-150) being collated to form a substrate layer stack and being combined, together with the additional substrate layers, in a high-pressure, high-temperature laminating method to form the laminated body (2). The invention also relates to a corresponding security document body (1).