Optically Variable Security Element with Integrated Pigment Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optically variable security elements with two relief structures and independently selectable colors are difficult to produce with a small overall thickness and require a large number of complex work steps.
Innovation Solution
An optically variable security element with a reflective surface area featuring two relief structures at different heights, where the higher relief structure includes an embossing layer and a reflection-increasing layer formed by floating or sunken pigments, allowing for independent color selection and reduced production complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two relief structures with independently selectable colors are implemented, then optical variability and security features are improved, but manufacturing complexity and number of work steps increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the color selection mechanism and relief structure into a single integrated layer. The relief structure includes both the three-dimensional pattern and the colorant, eliminating the need for separate coloring steps for each relief structure. This merging reduces the number of work steps while maintaining the capability for independent color selection through different relief structure configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the three-dimensional appearance, provides the color through integrated colorants, and enables optical variability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving independently selectable colors through different relief structure designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two relief structures with independently selectable colors are implemented, then optical variability and security features are improved, but overall thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the colorant into the relief structure itself rather than using separate colored layers, the patent achieves independent color selection within a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for additional thickness from multiple separate layers, maintaining a compact overall thickness while providing color variability through different relief structure configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional methods with multiple separate layers are used, then color selection is limited, but production process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the colorant application step with the relief structure formation step into a single integrated process. The colorant is incorporated into the relief structure during its formation, eliminating the need for separate coloring operations. This simplifies the production process while enabling independent color selection through different relief structure designs and colorant choices.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief structure is designed to be multi-functional, serving as both the three-dimensional pattern carrier and the color source. This universal design allows for flexible color selection without adding manufacturing steps, as the same structure that provides the relief also provides the color through integrated colorants.
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 enables the production of security elements with independently selectable colors and appearances, achieving a small overall thickness while simplifying the production process, making it easier to create optically variable effects with two distinct colors.
Implementation Method 1
The reflection-enhancing layer is formed by floating or sunken pigments
Implementation Method 2
The reflective surface area displays at least two appearances recognizable from different viewing directions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3(d)
Figure 4~4(c)
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically variable security element for securing valuables, the surface area of which is defined by a z-axis perpendicular to it, with a reflective surface area that exhibits at least two appearances recognizable from different viewing directions. The reflective surface area comprises a first relief structure (24) and a second relief structure (34), which are arranged at least partially overlapping each other in the z-direction at different height levels. The first relief structure (24) is provided with a reflection-enhancing layer (26), and the second relief structure (34) has a reflection-enhancing layer (36).Only in partial areas (44) of the reflective surface area is the second relief structure (34) provided and/or does the second relief structure (34) have the reflection-enhancing layer (36), so that the surface area has partial areas (44) with reflective second relief structure (34, 36) and open areas (42) without reflective second relief structure (34, 36). The reflection-enhancing layer (36) of the second relief structure (34) is formed by suspended or sunken pigments.