Watermarking Wire Mesh Electrotype Element Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for creating watermarked documents struggle with integrating electrotype elements at deformed regions of watermarking wire meshes, leading to difficulties in accurate welding and positioning, which complicates the production of anti-counterfeiting documents with both multitone watermarks and electrotype logos.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that involve associating electrotype elements with preset regions of a watermarking wire mesh and deforming the mesh using a punch and die, followed by welding, allowing for the integration of electrotype elements at deformed regions, utilizing techniques like laser or resistance welding, and incorporating complementary recesses for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrotype elements are welded at pre-pressed (deformed) regions of the wire mesh, then watermarked logos can be integrated into the watermark region, but welding accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to the deformed geometry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of electrotype elements at watermark regionsVSAvoidwelding accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrotype element is welded to the wire mesh **before** the pressing operation that creates the watermark deformation. This preliminary welding ensures that the element is securely attached to the original flat surface, avoiding the welding difficulties associated with deformed regions. The element is then positioned correctly in the final watermarked document through the subsequent pressing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If electrotype elements are punched to deform them for welding at pre-pressed regions, then welding can be performed, but positioning difficulty and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding capability at deformed regionsVSAvoidpositioning and welding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrotype element is welded to the wire mesh **before** the pressing operation. This eliminates the need for complex punching and positioning operations on deformed surfaces. The element is attached to the flat wire mesh in its original state, and the subsequent pressing process naturally positions it correctly in the final product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multitone watermarks are combined with electrotype logos, then document security is enhanced, but production complexity increases due to the integration challenges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-counterfeiting capabilityVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrotype element is welded to the wire mesh **before** the pressing operation that creates the multitone watermark. This sequential approach simplifies the overall production process: first the element is attached to the flat mesh, then the pressing operation creates the watermark deformation while the element remains in its correct position. This eliminates the need for complex post-processing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables the reliable production of security papers with integrated electrotype elements that can be decoded optically or tactilely, enhancing anti-counterfeiting measures by ensuring correct deformation and welding of the watermarking wire mesh, resulting in variable opacity patterns.

Implementation Method 1

a device for welding the electrotype element onto the respective preset region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

deforming plastically at least one predefined portion (4) of the watermarking wire mesh (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2567026B1Method and apparatus for providing a watermarking wire mesh
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 FEDRIGONI SPA
  • EP2567026B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2567026B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2567026B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method for providing a watermarking wire mesh (1), particularly for producing security paper and the like, comprising in sequence the following steps: - associating stably at least one electrotype element (2) or the like at a preset region (3) of a first working face (1a) of a watermarking wire mesh (1); - deforming plastically at least one predefined portion (4) of the watermarking wire mesh (1), which comprises at least partially the at least one electrotype element (2) or the like.