Laminate Security Structure for Tamper-Evident Information Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security features in currency and financial instruments, such as holographic stickers and scratch-off materials, are susceptible to tampering and counterfeiting, rendering them unreliable for secure storage of information.
Innovation Solution
A laminate structure with integrated information layers, where the code or key is embedded between multiple layers of plastic and metal, requiring delamination to access, which irreversibly damages the layers and indicates tampering, thereby enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If holographic stickers or scratch-off materials are used for security features, then information can be concealed, but the features are susceptible to tampering and counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The security feature is divided into multiple separate layers (holographic layer, security code layer, protective layer) that are laminated together. Each layer serves a specific function and the integrated structure prevents tampering, as removing any layer destroys the overall security feature integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different materials (holographic material, security code material, adhesive layers, protective materials) into a composite laminated structure. This composite construction creates a security feature that is resistant to tampering and counterfeiting while maintaining information concealment
2Loss of information
If stickers are placed on currency surfaces, then information can be concealed, but counting and sorting machines cannot handle them reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The security feature is merged directly into the currency substrate through lamination, making it an integral part of the bill rather than a separate attachment. This integration ensures that the security feature moves with the currency and cannot be easily removed or misplaced during machine handling
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing removable stickers on the currency surface, the patent inverts the approach by embedding the security feature within the currency structure itself through lamination, making the feature permanent and machine-compatible
3Loss of information
If scratch-off material is used for security features, then information can be concealed, but the currency becomes essentially disposable
Solution Approach 1:
The security feature is pre-integrated into the currency structure during manufacturing through lamination, ensuring that the information concealment is built-in from the start rather than requiring post-manufacturing attachment of removable materials like scratch-off layers
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for secure containment of information (SSCI) that is in the form of a laminate which includes at least two layers. The laminate is constructed to contain information such as a code, serial number, informational feature, encryption key or personal identification number (PIN). The information is located between the layer of the laminate such that the code, serial number, informational feature, encryption key, or PIN is not detectable from outside the laminate. The SSCI is configured to provide access and expose the code, serial number, informational feature, encryption key, or PIN by delaminating at least one layer, thereby indicating that tampering has occurred to the laminate. The SSCI can also function as a public key or private key for a blockchain, to provide access to a physical lock or to provide account access to claim financial value.