Ink Picker Composite Layer Printing Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current printing processes for documents like banknotes lack an effective method to create secure, authenticating images with combined color gradients and patterns that are difficult to counterfeit.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an ink receiver that picks up and transfers two distinct ink layers from separate printing templates to form a composite color layer on a substrate, which can be semi-transparent and include holograms, allowing for haptic and visual authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional single-layer printing is used, then the printing process is simple, but the security features and authenticity verification capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthenticity verificationVSAvoidprinting process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple ink layers (first ink layer and second ink layer) into a single composite ink layer on one substrate, integrating multiple security features and color patterns that are difficult to counterfeit while maintaining a unified printing structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite ink layers with different properties (transparent, translucent, opaque) combined on a single substrate, creating multiple security verification methods (visual, haptic, optical) that enhance authenticity while managing the complexity through systematic layer integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If multiple ink layers are printed separately on different substrates, then each layer can be optimized, but the overall printing efficiency and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidcomposite ink layer quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the printing of multiple ink layers into a single simultaneous printing operation on one substrate, eliminating the need for separate printing steps and substrate handling, thereby improving productivity while maintaining precise alignment and composite layer quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary transfer mechanism where ink layers are transferred from printing forms to a common substrate through a coordinated process, enabling simultaneous multi-layer deposition with precise registration while maintaining manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If opaque ink is used, then the print image is clear and visible, but the ability to create complex color gradients and holographic effects is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint image effectsVSAvoidcolor control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different ink transparency properties (transparent, translucent, opaque) to different regions or layers of the print, allowing complex color gradients and holographic effects in specific areas while maintaining clear visibility where needed, thereby achieving versatile effects with precise color control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines ink layers with different optical properties (transparent, translucent, opaque) to create composite structures that enable multiple visual effects including color gradients, holograms, and variable visibility features, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled layer integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4368406A1Method for printing a document
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP4368406A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4368406A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4368406A1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for printing a document comprising a substrate. The method (100) comprises picking up (101) a first color layer of printing ink from a first printing template by an ink picker; after picking up (101) the first color layer, picking up (103) a second color layer of printing ink from a second printing template by the ink picker, so that the ink picker carries the first color layer and the second color layer; and transferring (105) the first color layer and the second color layer by means of the ink picker in the same transfer process to the substrate in order to print the document with a composite color layer.