Integrated Lamination and Folding for Security Documents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing book-like security documents are inefficient in terms of production time and space requirements, and they do not effectively improve the unlocking behavior of the finished documents.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that integrate lamination with folding to produce a security document, where the document parts are connected using a lamination process that simultaneously applies a joining and folding force, reducing the need for separate folding and joining devices and processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate folding and joining processes are used, then the security document can be properly assembled, but production time increases and device space requirements expand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction timeVSAvoiddevice space requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the folding process and the joining (lamination) process into a single integrated operation. The lamination device simultaneously applies heat and pressure to both join the document parts together and create the folded edge, eliminating the need for separate folding and joining machines, thereby reducing production time and device space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lamination device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a joining device (to bond document parts) and a folding device (to create folded edges). This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require two separate devices, improving productivity and reducing installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If traditional lamination and folding processes are used separately, then document parts are connected, but the unlocking behavior of the security document is not improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking behaviorVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the folding and joining operations into a single simultaneous process, the patent eliminates the sequential time loss between operations while creating a cohesive connection between document parts that improves unlocking behavior. The integrated process ensures proper stress distribution that facilitates easier opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate devices are used for folding and joining, then each function can be optimized, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction optimizationVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lamination device is designed as a universal device that performs both joining and folding functions. While each function maintains its optimization through dedicated mechanisms (heating elements for joining, pressure rollers for folding), the integration into a single device dramatically reduces installation space compared to having separate optimized devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 significantly reduces production time and space requirements while enhancing the unlocking behavior of the security document by creating a cohesive and stress-free connection between document parts, allowing for easier opening and handling.

Implementation Method 1

The document parts or the document subassembly are connected to one another by a joining process, in particular by lamination. In the joining process, thermal energy and/or a joining force are applied to the document parts or the document subassembly.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Implementation Method 2

In the joining process, thermal energy and/or a joining force are applied to the document parts or the document subassembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a material-to-material connection is established between the first and the further document part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3352992B1Method and device for producing a security document
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3352992B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3352992B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3352992B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and to a method for producing a security document (2), wherein a first document part and at least one further document part are provided, wherein the first and the at least one further document part are connected to one another by way of a joining method, wherein the first and the at least one further document part are folded, wherein an applied joining force forms at least part of the folding force which is required for folding in a folding/joining step.