Anodic Oxidation Layer Gradient Dyeing Metal Composite

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional metal surface decoration methods using paint films suffer from poor bonding force, low hardness, and limited color variety, resulting in easily worn and scratched surfaces with simple linear color gradients.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of an anodic oxidation layer on a metal substrate, followed by applying a dye solution with water-soluble ink to create a graduated thickness dye layer, where the ink is removed, allowing dye to penetrate and create a gradient color effect with varying dye amounts in micropores, enabling multiple color gradients and improved decoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a paint film is used for metal surface decoration, then the surface can be decorated with color, but the bonding force is poor and the paint film peels easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding forceVSAvoidpeeling resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an anodic oxidation layer with micropores as the substrate for dye deposition. The porous structure provides a large surface area and enables mechanical interlocking of dye molecules within the pores, significantly improving bonding strength and peeling resistance compared to conventional paint films.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure consisting of the metal substrate, anodic oxidation layer, and dye molecules. This multi-layer composite provides both strong adhesion through the anodic layer's porous structure and decorative color through the dye, resolving the contradiction between bonding strength and decorative function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a paint film is used for metal surface decoration, then the surface can be decorated, but the hardness is low and the paint film is worn and scratched easily

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehardnessVSAvoidwear and scratch resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anodic oxidation layer provides a hard, porous substrate that is inherently more wear and scratch-resistant than paint films. The dye molecules deposited within the pores are protected by the hard anodic layer, maintaining both hardness and decorative function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The anodic oxidation layer is formed before dye deposition, creating a pre-prepared hard substrate with micropores that will later hold the dye. This preliminary action ensures the surface has sufficient hardness and wear resistance before the decorative layer is applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional dyeing methods are used, then color decoration is achieved, but the color-gradience is simple and lacks variety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor varietyVSAvoiddyeing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different concentrations of dye solution to different regions of the anodic oxidation layer, creating local variations in color intensity. This local quality approach enables diverse color gradients (linear, radial, diamond patterns) without requiring complex multi-step processes, achieving high adaptability with controlled complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 achieves enhanced surface properties with better texture and variety in color gradients, such as linear, radial, and diamond patterns, significantly improving the decoration effect on metal surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

forming an anodic oxidation layer on a surface of a metal substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnodic oxidation: Anodising

Implementation Method 2

the dye will penetrate and be absorbed into micropores of the anodic oxidation layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

dye molecules penetrate into micropores of the anodic oxidation layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP2872678B1Method of preparing a metal composite
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 BYD CO LTD

AI summary

A method of preparing a metal composite, comprising the steps of: forming an anodic oxidation layer on a surface of a metal substrate; forming a dye layer comprising a dye and a water soluble ink on the anodic oxidation layer, wherein the dye layer has a graduated thickness; and removing the water soluble ink.