Selective Colorant Activation on Complex-Shaped Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Activating colorants incorporated into articles with complex geometries or nonplanar features poses challenges due to difficulties in selectively manipulating the relationship between the article and the energy source for controlled color change.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mask with an open area design positioned between an energy source and the article, allowing for selective activation of colorants by moving the article under the mask while directing energy through the open areas, or applying a normal force to increase the surface area perpendicular to the energy source, enabling controlled activation of colorants on specific regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If colorant is incorporated throughout the entire molded article, then the colorant is uniformly distributed and accessible, but creating a definable design by selectively activating portions of the colorant becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The energy source is divided into multiple independent zones (first energy zone and second energy zone) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows precise control over which portions of the colorant are activated, enabling definable designs while maintaining uniform colorant distribution throughout the article.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the article receive different energy treatments through the segmented energy zones. The first energy zone activates colorant in specific regions while the second energy zone activates colorant in different regions, creating local variations in color activation that form the desired design pattern.
2Adaptability or versatility
If articles have nonplanar or complex geometrical features, then design flexibility is increased, but the difficulty of selectively activating only portions of the incorporated colorant increases due to the need to manipulate the relationship between the article and the stimulus
Solution Approach 1:
The energy delivery system transitions from a single-plane approach to a multi-dimensional approach by implementing energy zones at different positions and orientations. This allows the system to accommodate nonplanar and complex geometrical features by delivering energy from multiple spatial dimensions, simplifying the manipulation required for selective activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy delivery system with multiple independent energy zones can handle various article geometries (planar, nonplanar, complex) using the same basic mechanism. This multi-functional capability allows the system to adapt to different design requirements without increasing operational complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single energy source is used to activate colorant, then the system is simple, but selective activation of specific regions on articles with complex geometries is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single energy source is segmented into multiple independent energy zones, each capable of being activated separately. This segmentation maintains relative system simplicity while enabling precise region-specific activation control, allowing different portions of the article to receive energy treatment independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy zones are configured to be dynamically controllable, allowing selective activation of specific zones based on the article geometry and desired design. This dynamic control enables precise region-specific activation while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
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 precise and controlled activation of colorants on articles with complex geometries, creating desired visual designs by imparting the mask's open area design onto the article, enhancing the ability to alter visual appearances effectively.
Implementation Method 1
photoreactive materials that can change color through exposure to electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
exposure to an energy source such as an ultraviolet lamp
Implementation Method 3
thermochromic materials that can change color by a change of temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for activating colorant in selected regions of an article in which the colorant is incorporated are described. The colorant activation can create various desired visual aspects.