A method for dyeing textiles, and a textile dyed using the method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing textile dyeing methods and compounds are toxic, environmentally unfriendly, and require high water and energy consumption, making them complex and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A particulate compound comprising an inorganic pigment and a phyllosilicate or zeolite mineral, such as sepiolite, is used for dyeing textiles, which is environmentally friendly and can be processed with low water and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional artificial dyes and chemical compounds are used for dyeing textiles, then coloring effectiveness is achieved, but toxicity and environmental harm increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedyeing effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the traditionally harmful approach of using synthetic chemical dyes into a beneficial natural system by utilizing plant-based pigments and natural carriers like gelatin and starch. This transforms the dyeing process from a toxic chemical treatment to an environmentally friendly natural process, eliminating harmful substances while maintaining effective coloration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the dyeing system by replacing artificial chemical compounds with natural alternatives. Specifically, it substitutes synthetic dyes with plant pigments, conventional carriers with natural carriers (gelatin, starch), and harsh processing conditions with gentle natural processes, thereby altering the chemical and physical parameters to eliminate toxicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional dyeing methods are used, then textiles can be colored, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoloration capabilityVSAvoidwater consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The natural carrier materials (gelatin and starch) inherently possess water-binding and dye-carrying properties that enable the dyeing process to function with minimal external water input. The system uses the self-properties of natural materials to perform the dyeing function, reducing dependence on large quantities of water for process operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional dyeing processes are used, then textiles achieve desired color, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedyeing performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the thermal and chemical parameters of the dyeing process by eliminating the need for high-temperature fixes and harsh chemical treatments. The natural dye-carrier system operates under milder conditions, reducing the energy input required for heating, processing, and drying while maintaining effective coloration performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If complex chemical compounds are used for dyeing, then coloring effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoloring effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and utilizes the essential dyeing functionality from complex synthetic chemical systems by isolating and employing only the necessary natural components: plant pigments for coloration and natural carriers (gelatin, starch) for dye fixation. This extraction approach eliminates unnecessary chemical complexity while preserving the core dyeing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 compound effectively dyes textiles with minimal water and energy use, providing high-quality coloration and homogeneity, while avoiding artificial chemicals and reducing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

the structure of the phyllosilicate or of the zeolite may provide for channels in/to which the pigment can diffuse and attach

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

the pigment can diffuse and attach to the silicate mineral

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4529578B1A method for dyeing textiles, and a textile dyed using the method
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 HORIZON RES LAB SL
  • EP4529578B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4529578B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4529578B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for dyeing textiles, the method comprising: wetting (201) a textile with an aqueous solution or dispersion of a compound which comprises an inorganic pigment and a silicate mineral which is a phyllosilicate or a zeolite, and wherein said inorganic pigment is or comprises a mineral; the textile remaining (202) wet for a period of time; washing (203) the textile; and drying (204) the textile. Also, a textile dyed using said method.