Optically Variable Security Element Embossing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing optically variable security elements are complex, costly, and lack the ability to create security elements with multiple, distinct appearances or effects in different colors using a thin layer suitable for incorporation into valuable documents.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a carrier with a first embossing lacquer layer and a second, colored embossing lacquer layer, where relief structures are embossed at different heights, and a coating is applied to create distinct color impressions when viewed from different angles, allowing for the production of security elements with binary color and effect changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods are used to produce optically variable security elements, then security elements with viewing-angle-dependent appearance can be achieved, but the production process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers (first embossing lacquer layer, second colored embossing lacquer layer, and color coating) into a single integrated structure on one carrier. This merging of layers and functions into a unified system reduces production complexity while maintaining the optically variable security effects, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single carrier structure supports multiple embossed relief structures at different heights, each creating different optical effects (first color impression, second color impression, three-dimensional appearance). This multi-functional design allows one system to perform multiple security functions simultaneously, reducing the need for separate production processes
2Reliability
If multiple layers are used to create different color impressions, then visual attractiveness and counterfeit-proof capability improve, but layer thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different color impressions not by adding vertical thickness, but by using embossed relief structures at different heights (z-dimension) on the carrier surface. The first and second embossed relief structures are positioned at different heights, allowing light to interact with them differently and create distinct color impressions without significantly increasing overall layer thickness
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the carrier surface have different local structures: the first embossed relief structure creates a first color impression, while the second embossed relief structure at a different height creates a second color impression. This local differentiation of structures allows multiple optical effects in a thin overall layer
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple embossed relief structures at different heights are created, then binary color and effect changes are achieved, but production precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first embossed relief structure is created in the first embossing lacquer layer before applying the second colored embossing lacquer layer. This preliminary embossing establishes the foundation for the first color impression, and subsequent layers are built upon this pre-formed structure, reducing the precision required in later production steps
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 method enables the production of counterfeit-proof, visually attractive optically variable security elements with minimal work steps and a thin layer thickness, suitable for integration into banknotes and other valuable documents, providing seamless binary color and effect changes upon tilting.
Implementation Method 1
the reflection elements of the first subregion, on the one hand, and the reflection elements of the second subregion, on the other hand, reflect incident light in different reflection directions
Implementation Method 2
a first color impression is created by the combination of the color effects of at least the first embossing lacquer layer and the color coating, and a second, different color impression is created by the combination of the color effects of at least the first embossing lacquer layer, the second embossing lacquer layer and the color coating
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
Figure 4(a)~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing an optically variable security element (12, 62), in which a support (18) is provided, the areal extent of which defines a Z-axis standing perpendicular thereto, - a first embossing lacquer coat (22) is applied to the support in an area, - a first relief structure (24) is embossed into the first embossing lacquer coat (22), - a second, coloured embossing lacquer coat (32) is applied to the first embossing lacquer coat (22), wherein a colour effect of the second embossing lacquer coat (32) differs from a colour effect of the first embossing lacquer coat (22), and wherein the first relief structure (24) is partially covered by the second, coloured embossing lacquer coat (32) and partially not covered, - a second relief structure (34), differing from the first relief structure, is embossed into the second embossing lacquer coat (32) so that the first relief structure (24) and the second relief structure (34) are arranged at different height levels in the z-direction relative to the support (18), and - a coating (26) is applied to the non-covered portion (52; 64) of the first relief structure (24) and to the second relief structure (34) so that a first colour impression is generated for an observer of the security element by the combination at least of the colour effects of the first embossing lacquer coat (22) and the coating (26), and a second, different colour impression is generated by the combination of the colour effects of at least the first embossing lacquer coat (22), the second embossing lacquer coat (32) and the coating (26).