Passive Electroluminescent Security Element for Value Documents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security products and value documents with electroluminescent features, such as OLEDs, are prone to mechanical stress, require high operating voltages, and need additional encapsulation, making them unsuitable for applications like bills and tickets.
Innovation Solution
A passive field-induced electroluminescent security element with a single-layer electroluminescent laminate between electrodes, using a transparent dielectric material and embedded electroluminescent dyes, which can be inductively excited and operated with alternating current, eliminating the need for encapsulation and high voltage supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional OLEDs are used in security products, then electroluminescent security features can be achieved, but the devices require additional encapsulation to protect from mechanical stress and environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex encapsulation structures by using a field-induced electroluminescent component where the electroluminescent dye is embedded directly in a dielectric matrix that serves as both structural support and protective layer, removing the separate encapsulation layers required in conventional OLEDs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material system where electroluminescent dye is embedded in a dielectric matrix, creating an integrated structure that combines mechanical support, electrical insulation, and electroluminescent functionality in a single robust component that resists mechanical stress without additional encapsulation
2Illumination intensity
If conventional OLEDs are used in security products, then electroluminescent security features can be achieved, but relatively high operating voltages are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using field-induced electroluminescence with alternating current excitation at lower voltages, fundamentally changing how light is generated from the electroluminescent dye embedded in the dielectric matrix, enabling operation at significantly reduced voltage levels compared to conventional OLEDs
3Illumination intensity
If conventional OLEDs are used in security products, then electroluminescent security features can be achieved, but the devices are sensitive to mechanical stresses that can cause micro cracks and destroy functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mechanically robust composite structure where the electroluminescent dye is embedded in a dielectric matrix that provides mechanical strength and flexibility, eliminating the fragile layered structure of conventional OLEDs and making the security element resistant to micro-cracks and mechanical damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the vulnerable encapsulation layers and separate protective structures from conventional OLEDs, replacing them with an integrated dielectric matrix structure that inherently provides both mechanical protection and electrical functionality in a single robust component
4Ease of operation
If conventional OLEDs are used in security products, then electroluminescent security features can be achieved, but passive power supply requires rectifiers and adequately dimensioned energy storage devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electrical rectification and energy storage system with a simpler electromagnetic induction system, where an integrated antenna directly induces alternating current in the electroluminescent component through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for rectifiers and energy storage devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the antenna serve multiple functions: it acts as both the power transmission element and the excitation source, directly inducing alternating current in the electroluminescent component without requiring separate power management circuitry, simplifying the overall power supply system
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 solution provides a robust, compact, and energy-efficient electroluminescent security element suitable for value and security documents, reducing the risk of mechanical stress and operational complexity, while allowing for simple power supply via integrated antennas.
Implementation Method 1
The EL component contains an electroluminescent laminate disposed between two electrodes, which at least comprises an electroluminescent dye embedded in a transparent dielectric material
Implementation Method 2
can be inductively excited to emit light. EL components are characterized in that the electroluminescent dyes are embedded in a dielectric matrix
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a security product or product of value (100) with a passive, electroluminescent security element (10) which includes a field-induced electroluminescent component (20) (EL component). The EL component (20) contains an electroluminescent laminate (30) disposed between two electrodes (22, 24), which at least comprises an electroluminescent dye embedded in a transparent dielectric material. The laminate (30) consists of just a single layer that directly adjoins the electrodes (22, 24). This invention further relates to an associated production method.