Magnetic Lamination Sheet for Security Feature Pigment Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for producing security features with magnetically orientable effect pigments are complex and require additional UV drying steps, making the process inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Aligning magnetically orientable effect pigments during the lamination process using magnets incorporated into the laminating sheet, eliminating the need for UV drying and simplifying the production process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetically orientable effect pigments are aligned using an external magnetic cylinder with UV drying, then security features with optically variable effects are achieved, but the production process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity feature reliabilityVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the magnetic alignment function and the lamination function into a single integrated process. The laminating sheet incorporates magnets that serve dual purposes: providing the magnetic field for pigment alignment and acting as the lamination layer itself. This eliminates the need for separate magnetic alignment equipment and UV drying steps, resolving the contradiction between security feature reliability and production process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The laminating sheet is designed with multi-functionality: it provides mechanical lamination protection, incorporates magnets for magnetic alignment of pigments, and eliminates the need for separate UV drying equipment. This universal component performs multiple functions that were previously required separate devices, thereby simplifying the overall production system while maintaining security feature quality

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

2Manufacturing precision

If additional UV drying step is used to fix pigment alignment, then pigment alignment is secured, but production time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepigment alignment precisionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pigment alignment process and the lamination process into a single simultaneous operation. The magnets in the laminating sheet align the pigments during the lamination process itself, eliminating the need for a subsequent UV drying step. This integration maintains precise pigment alignment while significantly reducing production time and improving overall productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If magnetically orientable effect pigments are aligned during lamination process, then production process is simplified and UV drying is eliminated, but magnets must be incorporated into lamination sheet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction process complexityVSAvoidlamination sheet manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The laminating sheet is designed as a multi-functional component that incorporates magnets directly into its structure. While this adds some complexity to the lamination sheet manufacturing, it eliminates the need for separate magnetic alignment equipment and UV drying systems. The overall system complexity is reduced, and the enhanced functionality of the laminating sheet justifies the increased manufacturing requirements for that specific component

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 method simplifies the production of security features by eliminating the need for UV drying, allowing for efficient alignment and fixation of pigments, resulting in improved optical effects and reduced production complexity.

Implementation Method 1

Magnets (permanent or electromagnets) are incorporated or provided on the lamination sheet. During the lamination process, the ink is liquefied with the magnetic pigments, allowing them to be aligned in a specific direction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic alignment: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

During the lamination process, the ink is liquefied with the magnetic pigments, allowing them to be aligned in a specific direction. As the foil cools, the aligned magnetic pigments solidify.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP4282663B1Method for producing a security feature, security feature for a data carrier, data carrier and lamination sheet
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT EPAYMENTS GMBH
  • EP4282663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4282663B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4282663B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a security feature (11) for a data carrier (10), comprising the steps of: - providing a data carrier (10) consisting of films (15, 16); - applying a paint (18) or a magnetic pigment film (17) with magnetically orientable effect pigments to a film (15, 16); - laminating the data carrier (10) consisting of the films (15, 16) and the paint (18) or the magnetic pigment film (17) by means of a laminating sheet (21) having at least one magnet (19), wherein the steps of: - liquefying the paint or varnish (18) with magnetically orientable effect pigments; and - aligning the magnetically orientable effect pigments by means of the magnets (19).