Loop-Shaped Magnetic Optical Effect Layer Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security features struggle to produce high-quality, dynamic loop-shaped optical effects that are difficult to counterfeit and can be easily verified regardless of orientation, and are challenging to produce on a mass scale with available equipment.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the application of non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles in a radiation curable coating composition, exposed to a magnetic field generated by a loop-shaped dipole magnet or a combination of dipole magnets, followed by curing to fix the particle orientation, and subsequent application of a second coating layer exposed to a different magnetic assembly to achieve a varying loop-shaped optical effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single magnet is used to orient magnetic particles, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and optical effect quality deteriorate due to soft field lines and low curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic assembly is segmented into multiple dipole magnets (at least three) arranged in a triangular configuration, each contributing to the overall magnetic field. This segmentation creates stronger, more defined field lines with higher curvature compared to a single magnet, thereby improving particle orientation precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple dipole magnets are merged into a unified magnetic assembly that works collectively to generate the required magnetic field pattern. The combined effect of multiple magnets produces enhanced field strength and defined curvature, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and orientation precision
2Device complexity
If a single magnet is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of optical effect deteriorates due to rapid field intensity decrease with distance
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generation is segmented across multiple dipole magnets positioned at specific distances from the substrate. This segmentation ensures that at least one magnet maintains optimal field intensity at the substrate surface, preventing rapid intensity decrease and ensuring reliable optical effects
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic assembly extends into the vertical dimension with magnets positioned at controlled distances from the substrate. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows optimization of field intensity distribution, ensuring consistent and reliable optical effects across the substrate surface
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional security features are used, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the anti-counterfeit effectiveness deteriorates because users may not recognize them as security features
Solution Approach 1:
The optical effect layer utilizes magnetic particles that exhibit viewing-angle dependent optical effects, including color changes and loop-shaped patterns. These dynamic visual changes make the security feature easily recognizable and verifiable by users, while the manufacturing process remains based on established coating and curing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The security feature incorporates dynamic optical effects that change with viewing angle, creating an active and engaging verification process. This dynamic behavior enhances user recognition and verification ease while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing processes
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 process produces optical effect layers with a dynamic loop-shaped appearance that varies upon tilting, providing an effective anti-counterfeiting measure that is difficult for counterfeiters to replicate, while ensuring easy verification and versatility in shape and form.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the first radiation curable coating composition to a magnetic field of a first magnetic assembly (x00-a) comprising i) a magnetic-field generating device (x30) comprising a loop-shaped magnetic-field generating device (x31)
Implementation Method 2
containing magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, in particular non-spherical optically variable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles
Implementation Method 3
a first radiation curable coating composition comprising non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles so as to form one or more first patterns of a first coating layer (x21)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of magnetic assemblies and processes for producing optical effect layers (OEL) comprising magnetically oriented non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles on a substrate. In particular, the present invention relates magnetic assemblies and processes for producing said OELs as anti-counterfeit means on security documents or security articles or for decorative purposes.