Security Seal Using Shredded Banknote Snippets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for securing documents and products against counterfeiting are inadequate, as they can be easily replicated or imitated using accessible technologies, and existing security features can be removed or reused, failing to provide robust protection against forgery.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a security seal created using shredded banknote snippets with high-tech security features, arranged randomly on a carrier layer, which is then applied to an original object, providing a unique and irreproducible authentication mechanism that integrates additional forgery-proof features like holograms and codes, ensuring the seal is inseparable and tamper-proof.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional security seals (embossing stamps, sealing wax, holograms) are used, then the authentication process is simple and accessible, but the security against counterfeiting is insufficient as these can be easily replicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against counterfeitingVSAvoidcomplexity of security seal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The security seal is segmented into multiple independent layers: a carrier layer with randomly arranged banknote shreds, a hologram layer with micro-relief structures, and a protective coating. Each layer contributes unique security features that are difficult to replicate individually, and their combination creates a multi-layered authentication system that significantly increases counterfeiting difficulty while maintaining visual accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines heterogeneous materials with different security properties: shredded banknotes containing embedded security threads and watermarks, holographic foil with micro-relief patterns, and transparent protective coatings. This composite structure integrates multiple authentication mechanisms into a single seal, providing robust counterfeiting protection while preserving ease of visual verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If security seals are pre-produced using integrated machines and devices, then manufacturing efficiency is high, but security risks increase due to potential manipulation and viewing by third parties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiency of security sealsVSAvoidsecurity against manipulation during production
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Security features are prepared in advance but in a dormant state: banknotes are shredded and stored in secure containers, holographic foils are pre-cut into patterns but not yet assembled. The final assembly occurs only at the point of seal application, ensuring that all security elements are already in place before any potential manipulation risk during the actual sealing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier layer acts as an intermediary that holds and protects the shredded banknotes and holographic elements until the moment of application. This intermediate carrier structure allows for secure storage and controlled dispensing of security features, separating the preparation phase from the application phase to minimize exposure to manipulation risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If graphical security features are produced in a precisely defined and reproducible manner, then consistency is achieved, but the security can be reproduced if the pattern is known or understood

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of security feature arrangementVSAvoiduniqueness and irreproducibility of security seal
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each security seal possesses unique local characteristics: the specific arrangement, orientation, and selection of individual banknote shreds vary randomly; the holographic pattern is locally customized with unique micro-relief structures. This local variability ensures that while each seal meets precise manufacturing standards, no two seals are identical, preventing reproduction even if one seal's pattern is discovered.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The security seal incorporates dynamic elements that change with viewing angle and lighting conditions: the holographic foil displays different patterns and colors from various angles, and the embedded security threads in banknote shreds exhibit shifting optical properties. This dynamic behavior creates continuously varying visual characteristics that cannot be statically reproduced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2709800B1Method for producing a non-detachable security seal
Publication Date: 2015.12.16 RADZEY NIKLAS
  • EP2709800B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2709800B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2709800B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a) a security seal (12) on an original article (28, 32) or b) a pad (11) for such a security seal (12), wherein, in a first step, a substrate (4) is arranged in a region (2, 30) on the original article (28, 32) in case a) or on a base (3) in case b) and, in a second step, shredded banknote snippets (10) are arranged on the substrate (4) or are introduced into the substrate (4). The present invention also relates to a pad (11) and an original article (28, 32) on which a security seal (12) is arranged.