Thread-Like Security Elements for Bend-Resistant Wireless Documents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security documents lack robust and space-efficient wireless communication features that can withstand bending stresses and are difficult to counterfeit.
Innovation Solution
A thread-like microelectronic security element with a first microelectronic communication device and antenna device is integrated into the spine or substrates of a security document, allowing for wireless communication and enhanced security features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional microelectronic security element is integrated into the security document, then wireless communication capability is provided, but the element occupies significant space and is vulnerable to bending stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a thread-like security element with a flexible structure that can withstand bending stresses. The element is designed as a thin, flexible component that can be integrated into the spine or substrate of the security document, allowing it to conform to the document's structure without occupying excessive space while maintaining robustness against mechanical deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar or bulky microelectronic security element to a thread-like three-dimensional structure. This dimensional change allows the security element to be integrated along the length of the spine or substrate, distributing its presence across a different spatial dimension and reducing its footprint on any single plane while maintaining its wireless communication functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If a thread-like security element is integrated into the spine, then space efficiency and flexibility are improved, but the complexity of integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by designing the thread-like security element to serve multiple functions: it provides wireless communication capability, acts as a structural component within the spine or substrate, and serves as a security feature. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall integration process by combining several requirements into a single element rather than requiring separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If the security element is made robust and difficult to remove, then security against counterfeiting is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by nesting the microelectronic communication device within the thread-like security element structure. The communication device is embedded or encapsulated within the thread, creating a compact integrated unit that is difficult to remove or tamper with while maintaining manufacturability through standardized assembly processes.
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 provides a space-saving, flexible, and robust security element that is difficult to remove or counterfeit, enabling efficient wireless communication and multi-factor authentication.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna device electrically connected thereto for the wireless communication of security-relevant first information, in particular signals carrying data or other information, to a communication counterpart external to the security document
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A security document, e.g., a book-like passport document (100), comprises: a number N of sheet-shaped substrates (105a-b), with N ≥ 1; and a thread-like security element (130, 130a-e) that is at least partially integrated into or attached to at least one of the N substrates and that includes a microelectronic communication device (175) with an electrically connected antenna device (180a-b). The security element (130e) can form part of a seam as a thread. The antenna lines (180a-b) together form, on the one hand, an antenna device as a dipole antenna for transmitting and receiving radio signals in the UHF band and, on the other hand, an induction device (self-inductor) for power supply.A strain relief element (190) can be provided which is capable of intercepting potential tensile forces acting externally on the safety element in order to protect the antenna cables from such forces and thus prevent damage or destruction. In addition, the safety element can have a protective layer as a wrapping (185, e.g., textile).