Ultrasonic Embossing for Security Tabs on Polymer Fabric
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing tabs in valuable and security documents fail to effectively prevent forgery and manipulation, as security features are often distorted or made invisible due to the application of fabric-like band materials in overlap areas.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a fabric-shaped band material with individual polymer threads, where an embossing foil is applied using ultrasonic vibrations to create a security feature with targeted heat activation, resulting in a unique, pastel-like color impression that is difficult to manipulate or replicate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fabric-like band material is applied in overlap areas to attach the flap to the data carrier, then the mechanical connection is achieved, but the security features become distorted or invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The stamping surface is divided into multiple individually addressable heating zones corresponding to different thread bellies. This allows selective application of embossing foil to specific segments of the fabric, ensuring security features are applied only to designated areas rather than being obscured by the entire fabric overlay.
Solution Approach 2:
The embossing foil is applied locally only to specific thread bellies rather than uniformly across the entire fabric surface. This creates localized security features with varying visual properties - some areas show clear patterns while others show scattered sections, maintaining both security and aesthetic qualities.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional printing or embossing methods are used on fabric-like strip material, then the production process is simple, but the security against forgery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the stamping surface during the embossing process. This creates distinctive vibration patterns in the embossed security features that are difficult to replicate with conventional printing or embossing methods, significantly enhancing security against forgery while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple materials and processes: fabric-like strip material with polymer threads, embossing foil with adhesive layers, and ultrasonic vibration technology. This composite approach creates security features with multiple physical and visual properties that are extremely difficult to counterfeit.
3Area of stationary object
If the embossing foil is applied extensively on the fabric-like strip material, then the security feature coverage is increased, but the recognizability from naked eye distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different areas of the fabric receive different densities and patterns of embossing foil application. Some thread bellies have heavy coverage creating recognizable patterns, while others have scattered or minimal coverage. This variation creates visual interest and maintains recognizability from a distance while providing extensive overall coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying embossing foil uniformly across the fabric to maximize coverage, the invention applies it selectively to specific thread bellies. This inverted approach - focusing on discrete points rather than continuous coverage - actually improves recognizability by creating distinct visual markers that stand out from a distance.
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 method enhances security against forgery by creating a recognizable security feature that is only visible from a distance, with specific heat application for short cycle times and flexible manufacturing processes, making manipulation more difficult and visible.
Implementation Method 1
By exciting the stamp with ultrasonic vibrations, a section of the stamping foil is applied to the thread belly
Implementation Method 2
By exciting the stamp with ultrasonic vibrations... the at least one stamping surface of the stamping foil can activate an adhesive layer of the stamping foil in the area of the contact points within a very short time
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a tab, a data page, a book block, a value and/or security document, and a method for producing a tab (23) with a security feature, wherein a fabric-like strip material is provided in order to form the tab (23) and is supplied to a machining station (51), and a plastic fabric is provided as the fabric-like strip material for the tab and is supplied to the machining station (51). In the machining station (51), yarn balloons of the plastic fabric are applied at flat sections using an embossing film (58).