3D Printed Iridescent Surfaces via Layer Overlap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional object printing technologies cannot effectively create iridescent surfaces on objects with irregular shapes that change color based on viewing and illumination angles, as they require structured surfaces which are costly, complex, and prone to damage, and are limited in color variations.
Innovation Solution
A method for three-dimensional object printing that uses overlapping regions of different materials with specific color arrangements, allowing varying proportions of light to be visible from different angles, enabling color changes based on view direction and illumination, achieved through a system with a processor that modifies three-dimensional data to generate a color change map and control the printer to form the object with desired color arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If structured surfaces (diffraction gratings, lenticular lenses, embossed ridges) are used to create iridescent surfaces, then color change with viewing angle is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the iridescence effect from complex structured surfaces and implements it through simple planar color layers. Instead of using diffraction gratings, lenticular lenses, or embossed ridges, the invention uses multiple translucent color layers (first color layer, second color layer, third color layer) with varying optical densities and thicknesses that overlap to produce angle-dependent color changes, thereby eliminating the need for complex surface structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (translucency, optical density, thickness) of the color layers to achieve iridescence. By varying the optical density of the first color layer relative to the second color layer, and adjusting the thickness of the third color layer, the invention creates angle-dependent color changes without requiring structured surfaces, thus simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Ease of manufacture
If structured surfaces are used to form iridescent surfaces, then color change effect is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the iridescence effect from expensive structured surfaces and implements it through simple planar color layers. Instead of using diffraction gratings, lenticular lenses, or embossed ridges, the invention uses multiple translucent color layers (first color layer, second color layer, third color layer) with varying optical densities and thicknesses that overlap to produce angle-dependent color changes, thereby eliminating the need for complex surface structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex structured surfaces with inexpensive planar color layers that can be manufactured using standard printing or coating techniques. The color layers are applied to a substrate in a straightforward process, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the desired iridescent effect.
3Reliability
If structured surfaces are used to create iridescent surfaces, then color change with viewing angle is achieved, but reliability decreases due to susceptibility to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the iridescence effect from complex structured surfaces and implements it through simple planar color layers. Instead of using diffraction gratings, lenticular lenses, or embossed ridges, the invention uses multiple translucent color layers (first color layer, second color layer, third color layer) with varying optical densities and thicknesses that overlap to produce angle-dependent color changes, thereby eliminating the need for complex surface structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin film color layers with varying translucency and optical density to create the iridescent effect. These flexible, thin film layers are more resistant to damage compared to rigid structured surfaces like diffraction gratings or lenticular lenses, thereby improving the reliability of the iridescent surface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional three-dimensional printing is used, then object formation is achieved, but iridescent surfaces on irregular shapes cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal method for producing iridescent surfaces that works on any three-dimensional shape, whether planar or irregular. By using multiple translucent color layers with varying optical densities and thicknesses that can be deposited on complex geometries, the invention achieves angle-dependent color changes on objects of any form, making the technique universally applicable to diverse three-dimensional printing applications.
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 creation of iridescent three-dimensional objects with complex color behaviors on irregular shapes, providing a cost-effective and durable solution by altering coloration based on view angles and illumination, without the need for structured surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The different light portions are seen as a view of an image that changes as the angle of incidence changes
Implementation Method 2
a diffraction grating disposed on a surface is used to reflect or transmit different portions of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensionally printed object includes a plurality of different material regions that together define a surface region of the object. The plurality of different material regions includes a first material region and a second material region. The first material region has a first color, and the second material region has a second color that is different from the first color. The different material regions overlap from each other within the object by different amounts viewed from different directions so that different proportions of light from the plurality of different material regions are visible to an observer viewing the surface region of the three-dimensionally printed object from different view directions, different view angles, and with illumination lighting the surface region at different angles. A coloration of the surface region is altered based on the proportions of light from the plurality of different material regions visible to the observer.