Sinuous Junction Security Lines for Miniaturized Optical Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security elements for valuable documents, such as banknotes, face challenges in miniaturization and maintaining optical performance when integrated into security wires or foils, due to limitations in line width, height, and angle of inclination, leading to reduced visibility and quality of light reflection effects.
Innovation Solution
A security element comprising a network of lines with inclined sides that meet in a sinuous junction zone, allowing for a progressive and controlled change in light reflection, even at smaller sizes, and incorporating additional layers for enhanced visual effects like color change and image movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the line width and height are reduced for miniaturization, then the security element can be integrated into security threads and foils, but the optical performance and visibility of light reflection effects deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the angle of inclination of the line flanks and optimizing the junction zone geometry to maintain optical effectiveness at reduced sizes. By adjusting these parameters, the security element achieves miniaturization while preserving light reflection properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curvature through the sinuous junction zone that connects the flanks of lines. This curved transition zone creates progressive light reflection changes that maintain visual effectiveness even when the overall line dimensions are reduced for integration into security threads and foils.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the line dimensions are reduced, then the security element becomes suitable for security threads and foils, but the quality of light reflection and visual effects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific geometric characteristics at the junction zone where flanks meet. This localized optimization of the junction zone geometry (sinuous shape with controlled curvature) ensures high-quality light reflection effects are maintained at the critical points where lines connect, even when overall dimensions are reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The sinuous junction zone with its curved geometry creates progressive optical effects that enhance light reflection quality. This curvature is specifically designed to maintain visual effectiveness at the reduced dimensions required for security thread and foil applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional laser engraving or mechanical milling is used, then the security element can be manufactured, but the surface becomes rough with defects that degrade optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical milling or laser engraving with a molding process. This substitution eliminates mechanical surface defects by forming the security element through a mold, achieving smooth surfaces suitable for high-quality optical effects while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 solution enables a high-quality, miniaturized security element with improved optical performance and enhanced visual effects, suitable for use in security threads, patches, or foils, maintaining effectiveness even when size is reduced, and adding features like color change and image movement.
Implementation Method 1
each line comprising opposite longitudinal edges, at least one of these lines being in relief and having two opposite flanks, at least one of which is partly inclined, which each originate along one of said longitudinal and opposite edges of said line
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates in particular to a security element (1) for a valuable document, which comprises an array (R) of at least two contiguous or adjacent lines (2, 2', 2"), at least one of these lines (2) being raised and having two opposing and at least partially inclined sides (20, 21) that each originate along one of the longitudinal and opposing edges (200, 210) of the line (2), characterised by the fact that the two opposing inclined flanks (20, 21) meet at a single, uninterrupted, sinuous junction area (22), that extends in the longitudinal direction of the line (2), the sides (20, 21) having no discontinuities or interruptions at least in the longitudinal direction.