Security Foil Clearance for Machine-Readable Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for product authentication using machine-readable and security features require multiple production steps, are costly, and prone to errors in high-volume production, especially when applying non-simple patterns like machine-readable codes, and can be easily removed from objects.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing a security foil with a carrier, protection, and functional layer, where parts of the functional layer are selectively removed to create a clearance for printing a marking within, allowing for a single production step transfer of the security device onto an object, including a printed layer adjacent to and non-overlapping with the functional layer, which enhances contrast and readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machine-readable information and security features are applied via labels or separate production steps, then product authentication is achieved, but production cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the security feature application and machine-readable information application into a single integrated foil structure. The foil contains both the security features (holographic elements, metallic layers) and the machine-readable code printed directly on the carrier layer, eliminating the need for separate production steps and label application processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The foil serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides security features for authentication, contains machine-readable information for verification, and acts as a decorative element. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating all these elements into a single foil structure that can be applied in one step.
2Loss of information
If machine-readable information is printed on top of the functional layer, then marking is applied, but contrast and readability decrease due to limited symbol clearance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of printing the machine-readable code in the same plane as the functional layer (which would cause overlap and reduce contrast), the patent prints the code on the carrier layer below the functional layer. This vertical arrangement in different dimensions allows both elements to coexist without interference, maintaining high contrast and readability.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive labels are used for security features, then centralized production is enabled, but the labels can be easily removed from objects
Solution Approach 1:
The foil uses a composite structure with a carrier layer, functional layer, and adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is specifically designed to provide permanent bonding to the object surface, making removal difficult. This composite material approach maintains the benefits of centralized production while ensuring secure, tamper-resistant attachment.
4Reliability
If hot-foil-stamping or cold-foil-stamping is used to transfer the foil, then secure attachment is achieved, but additional production steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the foil transfer process with the application of machine-readable information in a single operation. The foil is stamped or transferred onto the object with the machine-readable code already integrated, eliminating the need for subsequent printing or marking steps and maintaining high production speed.
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 approach reduces production costs and errors by integrating the security feature and machine-readable marking in a single step, providing improved contrast and readability, and ensures secure, permanent attachment to the object.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesive layer is activated, e.g. by applying heat, radiation or pressure
Implementation Method 2
the adhesive layer is activated, e.g. by applying heat, radiation or pressure
Implementation Method 3
the adhesive layer is activated, e.g. by applying heat, radiation or pressure
Implementation Method 4
a functional and an adhesive layer... The functional layer is responsible for the (perceived) optical characteristics and typically a compound of multiple layers, comprising at least a replication layer and a reflection layer
Implementation Method 5
foils using refractive optical effects, e.g. lenticular print or based on non-metallic structured coating
Implementation Method 6
shrink foils, which are wrapped around an object and shrunk by e.g. applying heat
Data Source
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AI summary
Security foil (13) comprising at least a carrier layer (2), a protection layer (3) and a functional layer (4), wherein the functional layer (4) has at least one clearance (14), wherein the security foil (13) comprises a printed layer (17) arranged within and partially filling said clearance (14) and adjacent to and non-overlapping with the functional layer (4), and wherein the printed layer (17) represents a marking (12), and method for producing such a security foil (13) from an original foil (16) by selectively removing parts of the functional layer (4) of the original foil (16) to produce the clearance (14) in the functional layer (4) and by printing a marking (12) within the clearance (12) to produce the printed layer (17) adjacent to and non-overlapping with the functional layer (4).