Color-Shifting Heat Transfer Label for Angle-Dependent Graphics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat transfer labels do not exhibit color changes when viewed from different angles, lacking angle-dependent visual effects.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer label with multiple layers, including a color design layer containing color shifting pigments, a backing layer for contrast, and an adhesive layer, which changes color when viewed from different angles due to the application of heat and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional heat transfer labels with consistent color are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but visual appeal and angle-dependent effects are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color shifting pigments (such as interference pigments, pearlescent pigments, or cholesteric liquid crystal pigments) to the heat transfer label layers. These pigments cause the label to exhibit different colors when viewed from different angles or under different lighting conditions, directly addressing the need for angle-dependent visual effects while maintaining compatibility with conventional heat transfer label manufacturing processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If color shifting pigments are incorporated into heat transfer labels, then angle-dependent color effects are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines color shifting pigments with existing heat transfer label layers (such as integrating them into the design layer, adhesive layer, or carrier). This merging approach allows the color shifting functionality to be incorporated without adding separate complex components, thereby achieving angle-dependent color effects while minimizing increases in manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color shifting pigments that can function across multiple label layers and application scenarios. These pigments provide both the aesthetic color shifting effect and can serve as part of the functional label structure, reducing the need for additional specialized components and simplifying the overall system.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple layers with color shifting pigments are used, then color flip/shifting effect is enhanced, but adhesion performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color shifting pigments selectively to specific layers or regions where visual impact is most desired, rather than uniformly throughout all layers. This localized application maintains strong adhesion performance in critical bonding areas while achieving enhanced color flip/shifting effects in visible design areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining color shifting pigments with adhesive materials that are specifically formulated to maintain strong bonding. The composite formulation ensures that the color shifting functionality does not compromise the adhesion properties, allowing multiple layers to work together synergistically.
4Manufacturing precision
If color shifting inks are applied to carrier web, then color design layer is created, but separation and transfer to substrate becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates release agents or separation layers between the color design layer and the carrier web during the printing process. These preliminary preparations ensure that when heat and pressure are applied during transfer, the color design layer separates cleanly from the carrier and transfers完整地 to the substrate, solving the separation challenge before the transfer process begins.
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 label achieves a strong color flip/shifting effect with excellent performance characteristics, passing strict wash fastness, dye migration, and crock tests, suitable for applications in apparel, automotive, and sports equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The color design layer is formulated from an ink having a color shifting effect. The color design layer exhibits a first color when viewed from an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the plane of the color design layer and a second color, different from the first color, when viewed from an angle of about 45 degrees or less relative to the plane of the color design layer.
Implementation Method 2
The color shifting feature is adhered to a target object upon application of heat and pressure
Implementation Method 3
The color shifting feature is adhered to a target object upon application of heat and pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
A color shifting heat transfer label includes a carrier (12) and a color design layer (14) on the carrier (12). The color design layer (14) is formulated from an ink having a color shifting effect. The color design layer (14) is configured to separate from the carrier (12) to define a color shifting feature that is adhered to a target object (T) upon application of heat and pressure. The color shifting feature is adhered to the target object (T) to define a plane defined by the color shifting feature such that the color shifting feature exhibits a first color when viewed from an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the plane defined by the color shifting feature and a second color, different from the first color when viewed from an angle of about 45 degrees or less relative to the plane defined by the color shifting feature.