Aqueous Egg Dye Composition with Acid Binder for Natural Color Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for dyeing eggs with natural dyes, such as vegetable and animal dyes, fail to achieve adequate and long-lasting color due to surface reactions that prevent the dyes from adhering sufficiently to the eggshell, regardless of the egg's condition.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous egg dye composition comprising a binder, an inorganic or organic acid, and natural dyes, with a pH range of 2.5 to 5.5, which includes preferred natural dyes like fruit juice concentrates, curcumin, and chlorophyllins, and a binder like dextrin, applied to a flat material like a fleece for effective color transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If natural dyes are used to color eggs, then the coloring is more natural and safe, but the color adhesion and intensity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor adhesionVSAvoidcolor intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the pH parameter of the dyeing solution to a specific range (2.5-5.5) to optimize the binding between natural dyes and eggshell. This parameter change enables natural dyes to achieve sufficient adhesion and color intensity without requiring synthetic dye chemicals, resolving the contradiction between natural safety and coloring effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acid substances as intermediaries that facilitate the binding between natural dyes and eggshell surface. The acid modifies the surface properties of the eggshell and enhances the affinity of natural dyes, enabling adequate color transfer and adhesion while maintaining the natural composition of the dyeing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If eggs are cooked in the dye bath, then cooking and coloring are done simultaneously, but natural dyes still fail to adhere sufficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess efficiencyVSAvoidcolor adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter (pH) of the dyeing solution to create optimal conditions for natural dye adhesion. This allows the dyeing process to be effective whether eggs are cooked or not, maintaining process flexibility while ensuring reliable color adhesion through the modified chemical environment rather than relying solely on thermal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If alcohol-based colors with carriers are used, then intensive and water-resistant color effects are achieved, but natural dyes cannot be transferred to eggshells with sufficient coloring power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor intensityVSAvoidnatural dye compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH parameter to a range (2.5-5.5) that is specifically optimized for natural dye performance. This parameter adjustment creates a chemical environment where natural dyes can achieve intensive coloring power comparable to or exceeding alcohol-based systems, while maintaining compatibility with natural and water-based formulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for alcohol-based carriers and complex transfer mechanisms with a simplified aqueous system. By adjusting the pH parameter, the system achieves direct and effective color transfer to eggshells without requiring alcohol solvents or carrier materials, eliminating the complexity of the transfer mechanism while maintaining or improving color intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 composition ensures strong, lightfast, and perspiration-resistant color on eggs, regardless of their condition, without requiring cooking, and prevents staining, allowing for repeated use of the dyeing material.

Implementation Method 1

the composition having a pH in a range from about 2.5 to about 5.5

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH adjustment:

Implementation Method 2

at least one binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2781559B1Aqueous egg dyeing agent comprising at least one natural dyestuff
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 BRAUNS HEITMANN

AI summary

Aqueous egg-dye composition comprises at least one binder, at least an inorganic or organic acid, and at least one natural dye, and composition has a pH of 2.5-5.5.