Security Label Solvent-Sensitive Ink Tamper Evidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security labels fail to effectively protect confidential information like PIN numbers from being revealed by fraudulent methods such as solvent application, as they either do not provide sufficient tamper evidence or are unsuitable for protecting such sensitive data.
Innovation Solution
A security label comprising a polyester film with a printable layer, a solvent-sensitive ink layer around the edges, and a colored filmic ink layer with an obscurity pattern, where the ink layers react to solvent exposure by changing color or becoming transparent, indicating tampering attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a clear polyester film with obscurity pattern is used to protect confidential data, then the confidential data is obscured and hard to read, but the data can be revealed by applying solvent to the film
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a solvent-sensitive ink layer that undergoes color change or becomes transparent when exposed to solvents. This allows the label to provide immediate visual indication of tampering attempts, transforming the protective mechanism from passive obscurity to active tamper-evidence through color change
Solution Approach 2:
The label combines multiple layers including polyester film, printable layer, solvent-sensitive ink layer, and colored filmic ink layer. This composite structure integrates both the obscurity function and the tamper-evidence function, allowing the label to simultaneously obscure confidential data and detect solvent-based fraud attempts
2Reliability
If water soluble indicia are applied over water insoluble indicia to detect tampering, then tamper attempts are revealed, but the solution is unsuitable for protecting confidential information as water exposure simply reveals the hidden data
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using water soluble indicia that reveal hidden data, the patent employs solvent-sensitive ink that changes color or becomes transparent upon solvent exposure. This color change mechanism provides tamper evidence without revealing the confidential information, solving the contradiction between tamper detection and data protection
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent-sensitive ink is applied specifically around the edges of the label rather than covering the entire surface. This localized application allows the ink to serve as a tamper indicator while leaving the central confidential information area protected and unrevealed
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 label provides immediate visual indication of tampering attempts, alerting users to potential fraud by changing color or becoming transparent when solvent is applied, thus ensuring the confidentiality of the PIN numbers.
Implementation Method 1
the first ink layer 16 is an organic solvent sensitive ink, which may be a u.v. curable solvent active ink
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive layer 20 is provided on the second printed layer 18
Data Source
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AI summary
A security label (10) comprises a film layer (12) and a printable layer (14) on the film layer to allow printing to be applied thereto. A first ink layer (16) is applied to a portion of the printable layer. A second ink layer (18)j is applied to the film layer (12). The first ink layer (16) comprises a fluid sensitive ink.