Identity Document Hinge Composite Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing identity document hinges are either too flexible and fail to maintain a closed state or too rigid, failing to provide adequate resistance and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a heat-fusible layer interposed between two woven layers, subjected to a rolling process to embed the hot melt layer within the woven meshes, using a polycarbonate thermofusible layer and woven layers with specific dimensions and thicknesses to achieve a balance between resistance and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a hinge is made with a single woven layer or simple structure, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the hinge becomes too flexible and cannot maintain a closed state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge structureVSAvoidclosed state maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is constructed as a composite structure with three distinct layers: a first woven layer, a second woven layer, and a thermoplastic layer positioned between them. This composite configuration provides both structural integrity and flexibility, allowing the hinge to maintain a closed state while remaining manufacturable. The thermoplastic layer acts as an adhesive and structural connector between the woven layers, creating a balanced mechanical properties profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a hinge is made with multiple rigid layers, then resistance and strength are improved, but the hinge becomes too rigid and cannot allow the identity document to maintain a closed state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge resistanceVSAvoidclosed state retention
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention carefully controls the parameters of the hinge components, specifically the mesh size of the woven layers (between 0.23 and 0.26 mm) and the thickness of the thermoplastic layer (between 40 and 60 μm). These parameter optimizations ensure the hinge has sufficient resistance while maintaining the flexibility needed to retain a closed state. The specific mesh dimensions and layer thicknesses create an optimal balance between rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the mesh size of woven layers is reduced, then the hinge becomes more flexible, but the resistance and structural integrity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidhinge resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies a precise range for the mesh size parameter (0.23 to 0.26 mm) to achieve the optimal balance between flexibility and resistance. This parameter optimization ensures that the hinge remains flexible enough for operation while maintaining sufficient structural integrity. The thermoplastic layer thickness (40-60 μm) is coordinated with the mesh size to provide additional structural support without compromising flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a hinge with satisfactory resistance and flexibility, allowing the identity document to maintain a closed state effectively.

Implementation Method 1

the thermofusible layer and the woven layers are subjected to at least one rolling step at a rolling temperature so that the hot melt layer is embedded in the meshes of the woven layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the hot melt layer being made of a first material that is deformable and/or fusible at the lamination temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3908468B1Method for producing a hinge of an information sheet of an identity document, information sheet of an identity document comprising a hinge obtained according to said method and identity document comprising said information sheet
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 SELP
  • EP3908468B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3908468B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing an information sheet (18) of an identity document. According to the invention, the hinge (24) of the information sheet (18) is obtained by assembling by lamination a hot-melt layer (38) and two woven layers (40, 42) disposed on either side of the hot-melt layer (38), this latter being embedded in the mesh of the woven layers (40, 42) after laminating, the woven layers (40, 42) and/or the hot-melt layer (38) having features making it possible to obtain a compromise between a satisfactory strength for the hinge (24) and a flexibility for the hinge (24) allowing an identity document incorporating it to maintain a closed state. The invention also relates to an information sheet (18) obtained by said method and an identity document (10) comprising at least one such information sheet (18).