Optically Variable Reflective Security Elements with Multilevel Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable security elements are either complex to produce or lack effective protection against counterfeiting, and they do not efficiently display multiple colored appearances from different viewing angles.
Innovation Solution
An optically variable security element with a reflective surface area comprising a planar primary structure and a secondary embossed lacquer layer, where transmission and blocking regions are defined by their permeability to crosslinking radiation, and a reflection-enhancing coating is applied to create distinct color effects by using embossed relief structures at different heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple relief structures with different heights and color coatings are used to achieve multicolored reflective surfaces, then the security element provides high protection against counterfeiting and displays multiple colored appearances from different viewing angles, but the production process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is divided into multiple relief structures at different heights, each with specific color coatings. The first relief structure has a first color coating, while the second relief structure has a second color coating, allowing separate optimization of each structure's optical properties without requiring complete redesign of the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the security element are assigned different optical properties through selective color coatings on relief structures at different heights. The first and second color coatings are applied specifically to their respective relief structures, creating localized optical effects that contribute to the overall multicolored appearance from different viewing angles
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional methods are used to produce optically variable security elements, then production is simpler, but the elements cannot efficiently display multiple colored appearances from different viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds the vertical dimension by creating relief structures at different heights rather than relying solely on planar color patterns. This multi-level structure enables light to interact with different color coatings at different angles and depths, efficiently producing multiple colored appearances from different viewing angles while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing techniques
3Reliability
If more relief structures and color coatings are added to enhance optical variability, then the security element becomes more difficult to counterfeit, but the manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The security element employs a nested structure where the second relief structure is positioned at a different height level than the first relief structure, with each containing specific color coatings. This nested arrangement maximizes the optical variability and authenticity verification capabilities within a compact structure, avoiding the need for extensive additional components that would increase manufacturing cost
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
Figure 3(d)~3(f)
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically variable security element (12) which is intended for protecting items of value and the surface extent of which defines a z axis perpendicular thereto, the element comprising a reflective surface region (20). The reflective surface region (20) contains a two-dimensional primary structure (22). The two-dimensional primary structure (22) is covered by a secondary structure (32) in the form of an embossed lacquer layer, which contains a stamped relief structure (34). In blocking regions the secondary structure has low transmissivity, and in transmissive regions (64) it has high transmissivity, to a crosslinking radiation, in particular to UV radiation. Also provided is a reflection-increasing coating (40), which coats the secondary structure (32) and, wherever the transmissive regions (64) are formed by clearances in the secondary structure (32), in the transmissive regions (64) also coats the primary structure (22). Arranged on the side of the two-dimensional primary structure (22) that is opposite from the secondary structure (32) there is, congruent with the transmissive regions (64), a crosslinked, translucently coloured chemical colour (28), which imparts a colour effect to the primary structure (22) in the transmissive regions (64).