Luminescent Security Feature with Absorbing Varnish
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing security features on value or security documents, particularly luminescent images and patterns, face challenges in personalization and are difficult to implement cost-effectively and quickly, often requiring specialized printing inks and processes that are hard to manage and prone to counterfeiting.
Innovation Solution
A security feature is created using a luminescent color layer covered by a transparent lacquer layer that absorbs excitation radiation, allowing the luminescent layer to luminesce only in specific areas, enabling individualization without the need for flexible printing methods like inkjet printing, and providing protection against mechanical damage and counterfeiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional printing methods are used for luminescent security features, then production is cost-effective and simple, but personalization is difficult and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The security feature is divided into two functional layers: a luminescent color layer containing the personalization information and a transparent lacquer layer providing the pattern. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the color layer can be printed with flexible methods for personalization while the lacquer layer provides structural protection and pattern definition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension by stacking the luminescent color layer and transparent lacquer layer in different planes. The color layer can be applied using flexible printing methods and then the lacquer layer is formed over it, creating a multi-layer structure that combines the advantages of both approaches
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible printing methods like inkjet printing are used, then personalization is enabled, but production cost increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the personalization function (color layer) from the pattern/protection function (lacquer layer), the invention allows the color layer to be produced using simpler, more flexible methods while the lacquer layer can be applied using conventional coating techniques, reducing overall process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The luminescent color layer is applied first as a preliminary step, allowing personalization information to be embedded before the transparent lacquer layer is formed. This preliminary action enables flexibility in the color layer production while the subsequent lacquer application provides a standardized protective overlay
3Ease of operation
If the luminescent layer is exposed, then personalization is visible, but the document is vulnerable to mechanical damage and counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent lacquer layer acts as a protective thin film overlaying the luminescent color layer. This film provides mechanical protection against damage while maintaining optical transparency, allowing the personalization information to remain visible when viewed through the lacquer layer
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent lacquer layer serves as an intermediary between the luminescent color layer and the external environment. It provides security protection by being damage-resistant and difficult to counterfeit, while simultaneously allowing optical access to the personalization information through its transparency
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 solution allows for simple and cost-effective individualization of security documents using conventional printing methods, enhancing security against forgery and mechanical damage while maintaining the appearance of a personalized pattern under excitation.
Implementation Method 1
The transparent lacquer layer is capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation which is suitable for exciting the at least one luminescent color layer to luminescence
Implementation Method 2
a luminescent color layer is applied to at least one of the surfaces of the substrate... the at least one luminescent color layer is capable of luminescing when excited by electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2~5
Figure 6(a)~6(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a novel configuration of a value or security product (100) for individualising difficult-to-print inks. Said configuration comprises a substrate (105, 106) having surfaces (101, 102) which has a security feature (200). The security feature is formed by in each case at least one luminescent ink layer (300), which is applied to at least one of the surfaces of the substrate, and in each case at least one transparent varnish layer (400), which at least partially covers the at least one luminescent ink layer. The at least one transparent varnish layer (400) is capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation, which is suitable for exciting the at least one luminescent ink layer (300) to luminescence. The at least one transparent varnish layer (400) covers the at least one luminescent ink layer (300) in the form of a pattern.