Security Element with Optically Variable Structure and Perforation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security elements with optically variable structures are insufficient in preventing counterfeiting, especially when reproduced using color copiers or other reproduction processes, as they lack additional haptic features that are difficult to replicate and easy to verify.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second structure with grooving, punching, or perforation within the optically variable security element, which allows the structure to change visually when tilted, creating a tilting effect and enhancing the security against counterfeiting by making it difficult to reproduce using conventional means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optically variable structure with embossed elements and coating is used, then protection against counterfeiting is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The security element is divided into multiple functional layers: a substrate, an optically variable structure with embossed elements, a contrasting coating, and a second structure with grooving/punching/perforation. Each layer performs a specific function, allowing the complex security features to be manufactured through sequential processing steps rather than attempting to create the entire structure in one operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested structures where the second structure (grooving, punching, or perforation) is integrated within or alongside the optically variable structure. The embossed elements are formed on the substrate, then the contrasting coating is applied, and finally the second structure is created, with each layer nested within or adjacent to the previous layers to create a compact multi-functional security element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second structure with grooving, punching, or perforation is added to create bending capability, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grooving, punching, or perforation features are created during the initial manufacturing process of the security element, before the element is applied to its final use. This preliminary formation of bending zones allows the element to be easily bent or detached later during application or use, without requiring additional manufacturing steps at the point of deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The security element incorporates thin-film structures with predetermined grooves, punches, or perforations that create flexible zones. These thin-film characteristics allow the element to be bent along the grooving lines or detached along perforation lines, providing adaptability for different application scenarios while maintaining a compact form factor.
3Reliability
If the optically variable structure is made more complex with additional coatings and structures, then reliability against counterfeiting is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optically variable structure exhibits color changes or optical effect changes when viewed from different angles or under different lighting conditions. The contrasting coating enhances this effect by providing a background that makes the optical changes more visible. This allows authenticity verification to be performed by simply observing the color/optical changes, maintaining ease of operation despite the complex multi-layer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a contrasting coating that may extend beyond the minimum required area to fully enhance the optical effect. The coating is applied to at least partial areas of the security element, and in some embodiments covers larger portions than strictly necessary, to ensure that the optically variable effect is clearly visible and easy to verify, even though this increases the overall complexity of the structure.
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 enhanced security element provides increased protection against counterfeiting by creating a visually dynamic effect that is hard to replicate, allowing for easy verification of authenticity, particularly when used in labels, packaging, and data carriers.
Implementation Method 1
an optically variable structure (2) which has an embossed structure (1) made of embossed elements (11) which is combined with a coating (20) which contrasts with the surface of the security element in such a way that at least partial areas of the coating (20) are visible when viewed from a first viewing angle area, when viewed under a second viewing angle area are at least partially covered, so that a tilting effect occurs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element having an optically variable structure, which has an embossed structure made of embossed elements, which is combined with a coating contrasting with the surface of the security element such that at least parts of the coating are visible when viewed from a first viewing angle region, but are at least in part covered when viewed from a second viewing angle range, so that a latent image effect occurs when tipping and/or rotating the security element about an axis. The invention further relates to an embossing tool, as well as to a method for producing a security element of this type. According to the present invention, at least one second structure is arranged inside the optically variable structure, wherein the second structure forms a groove, a die-cut or a perforation of the security element in order to allow folding, bending or a partial removal of the optically variable structure.