Scissor-Cut Window Security Element in Composite Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data carriers with see-through security elements are either costly to produce or lack visual appeal and effective security features against counterfeiting.

Innovation Solution

A scissor-cut window design is implemented, featuring a continuous opening in the core layer with a coherent insert and narrow web areas, creating a visually attractive, high-contrast, and tactile security element that is embedded within a composite substrate, allowing for inexpensive production and enhanced security against counterfeiting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a film with adhesive is applied to cover a cut opening to create a see-through security element, then the security element can be produced, but the production cost increases and visual appeal decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity effectivenessVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the adhesive film layer from the security element structure. Instead of applying a film with adhesive over the cut opening, the security element consists solely of the insert with the through-opening, eliminating the need for adhesive application and reducing production complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of covering the cut opening with a film (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by making the insert itself transparent or translucent in the area of the through-opening, allowing the security feature to be achieved without the covering film.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a film with adhesive is applied to create a see-through security element, then the security element can be formed, but visual appeal and tactile security are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity authenticityVSAvoidvisual appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the adhesive film, the invention restores the natural visual appearance of the insert material itself. The security element displays the authentic texture, color, and visual characteristics of the core layer material, enhancing visual appeal and tactile authenticity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the insert is connected at multiple narrow web areas, then process reliability increases, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention connects the insert at multiple web areas (excessive action) to ensure high process reliability and secure positioning. While this increases structural complexity slightly, the multiple connection points prevent displacement and ensure the insert remains firmly fixed within the through-opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If the through-opening includes non-circular recesses, then recognition value increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounterfeiting protectionVSAvoidcutting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses laser cutting technology to create the non-circular recesses and through-opening. The laser beam replaces mechanical cutting tools, enabling precise fabrication of complex non-circular shapes with high accuracy, thereby meeting the increased manufacturing precision requirements while enhancing counterfeiting protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 scissor-cut window provides a cost-effective, visually appealing, and highly secure see-through security element that is resistant to abrasion and dirt, with increased recognition value and improved protection against counterfeiting, while being easily producible by laser cutting and combinable with other security features.

Implementation Method 1

The core layer is provided with a through-opening which encompasses a continuous insert in the shape of a motif... The through-opening is produced with a circumferential edge contour... by laser cutting of the core layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3215371B1Data carrier with see-through security element

Publication Date: 2019.01.23 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a data carrier (10), in particular a value or security document, comprising a composite substrate (30) which comprises a core layer (32) and at least one cover layer (34) and which is provided with a transparent security element. According to the invention, the transparent security element has a shear cut window (16), in the region whereof the core layer (32) of the composite substrate (30) has a through-opening (20) comprising a coherent insert (22) in the shape of a motif lying in the interior and made from the core layer material, wherein the through-opening (20) has a circumferential edge contour (21) along which the insert (22) is connected to the outer regions of the core layer (32) at at least one narrow web region (23) such that the through-opening (20) comprises the coherent insert (22) in the shape of a motif and at least one, preferably non-circular, recess (24).