Security Element with Color-Shifting and Metal Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing availability of embossed structures with reflective layers has compromised the counterfeiting protection of security elements, such as banknotes and ID cards, as they become easier to replicate, necessitating a more secure anti-counterfeiting solution.
Innovation Solution
A security element featuring a combination of areas with color-shifting optical effects and partial metallization, where one area exhibits a color-shifting effect and another area has a metal layer providing a unique, angle-independent visual appearance, along with optional third areas with distinct metal layers, creating a complex and difficult-to-forge combination of security features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If embossed structures with reflective layers are used, then the visual appearance is improved, but the counterfeit protection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is divided into multiple regions: a first region with embossed structures and color-shifting optical effect, and a second region with metal layer application. This segmentation allows different security features to be distributed across different areas, making the overall design more complex and harder to counterfeit while maintaining good visual appearance in each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple materials and effects in a single security element: embossed structures, reflective layers, color-shifting optical effect layers, and metal layers. This composite approach creates a multi-functional security feature that is difficult to replicate using single-material solutions, thereby enhancing counterfeit protection while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
2Reliability
If multiple security features are combined, then the counterfeit protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the security element into distinct regions (first region with embossed structures and color-shifting effects, second region with metal layers), the patent organizes multiple security features in a systematic way. This segmentation reduces the complexity of manufacturing and application by allowing each region to be processed independently with specialized techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the security element have different material compositions and structural characteristics optimized for their specific security functions. The first region uses embossed structures with color-shifting optical effects, while the second region uses metal layers, creating local quality variations that enhance security without requiring uniform complexity throughout the entire element.
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 combination significantly enhances security against forgery by providing a unique and recognizable visual appearance, making it challenging for counterfeiters to replicate the intricate design and materials used, thereby increasing protection against counterfeiting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one color-shifting optical effect layer is provided which, when viewed from a first side of the security element, causes a color-shift effect in the at least one first region
Implementation Method 2
at least one metal layer is applied over the entire area or partially in the second region... viewing-angle-dependent brightness differences in the at least one first area being possible when the security element is tilted
Data Source
Figure 1~2d
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element (1), in particular for securities, security paper or security items such as banknotes, identity cards, credit cards, wherein the security element (1) has at least a first area (2) with structures (4), wherein at least one color-shifting optical effect layer (7) is provided in the at least one first area which produces a color-shifting effect when viewed from a first side of the security element, and the structures (4) are fully or partially covered by the at least one optical effect layer (7), wherein the security element (1) has at least a second area without a visible color-shifting effect when viewed from the first side, wherein at least one metal layer and/or metal effect layer is applied fully or partially in the second area.