Polymer Layer Composite for Secure Document Personalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing security and/or value documents cannot securely integrate colored personalized information, such as passport photos, and lack adequate security against manipulation, especially in decentralized personalization processes.

Innovation Solution

A polymer layer composite is created using a method that integrates colored personalized information through inkjet printing and laser engraving, with the layers being laminated together in a materially bonded manner, eliminating the need for a protective layer and simplifying production, and incorporating an electronic circuit for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If colored personalized information is applied using inkjet printing on the surface, then colored information can be introduced, but security against manipulation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolored information applicationVSAvoidsecurity against manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inkjet-printed colored information layer is nested between two polymer layers (first polymer layer and second polymer layer), forming a sandwich structure. This nesting integrates the colored information within the composite rather than placing it on the surface, making manipulation detection difficult and enhancing security while preserving color capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite polymer layer structure combining multiple materials: polymer layers, inkjet print layer, laser-sensitive component, and electronic circuit. This composite structure integrates multiple functions (color, security, personalization) into a single unified system that provides both colored information and high security against manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If decentralized personalization is used with protective lacquer or film, then colored information can be applied, but production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecentralized personalizationVSAvoidproduction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is merged into the polymer layers themselves rather than being a separate additive layer. The first and second polymer layers inherently protect the inkjet-printed colored information, eliminating the need for separate protective lacquer or film applications and simplifying the production process while maintaining protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If surface-level printing is used, then colored information can be applied, but security against unauthorized removal is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolored information applicationVSAvoidunauthorized manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 approach provides high security against tampering, as dismantling the composite without destroying the inkjet print layer is impractical, and the lamination process ensures a monolithic, secure composite with integrated electronic personalization.

Implementation Method 1

first personalized information is applied to at least one of the polymer layers by means of an inkjet printing process as a colored inkjet printed layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInkjet printing:

Implementation Method 2

Laser engraving a second personalized information is introduced into the polymer layer composite obtained

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser engraving: Laser

Implementation Method 3

the polymer layer is joined with the colored inkjet printing layer together with the other polymer layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Data Source

PatentEP3000607B1Method for producing apolymer layer composite and product

Publication Date: 2020.06.10 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a polymer layer composite, wherein the polymer layer composite comprises a plurality of polymer layers and wherein at least one polymer layer contains a laser-sensitive component, comprising the following process steps: A) a first personalized information is applied to at least one of the polymer layers as a colored inkjet print layer by means of an inkjet printing process, B) the polymer layer with colored inkjet print layer is then joined together with the further polymer layers, wherein the polymer layer with colored inkjet print layer is arranged between two other polymer layers, C) a second personalized information is introduced into the polymer layer composite obtained in step B) by means of laser engraving.The invention further relates to a polymer layer composite obtainable accordingly, a security and/or valuable document with such a polymer layer composite, and a method for producing such a security and/or valuable document.