Compact Powder Coloring With Deep Ink Penetration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coloring solid compact powder cosmetic products using inkjet printers are limited by pigment size restrictions to prevent clogging and lack precise control over ink dispensing and trajectory, limiting aesthetic and functional effects.
Innovation Solution
A process that uses adjustable ink droplet dosing and programmable trajectories with servo-controlled actuators on four axes, allowing deep penetration of ink into the cosmetic powder cake, combined with heat treatment for drying, to achieve multi-colored and shaded effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If inkjet printing is used for surface decoration, then precise color control is achieved, but pigment size is limited to prevent clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful constraint (clogging) is extracted and eliminated by removing the nozzle from the system. Instead of forcing pigments through a nozzle, the pigment is deposited directly onto the powder cake surface using a non-contact method, allowing pigments of any size to be used without clogging risk
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical inkjet nozzle system is replaced with a different mechanism: a container that deposits pigment directly onto the powder surface. This substitution eliminates the clogging problem inherent in nozzle-based systems while maintaining precise pigment placement capability
2Manufacturing precision
If inkjet printing is used for coloring, then surface decoration is achieved, but deep penetration into powder mass is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to force ink through the powder mass (which would require high pressure and risk clogging), the approach is inverted: ink is deposited on the surface and then allowed to penetrate naturally through capillary action and diffusion, achieving deep penetration without mechanical forcing
Solution Approach 2:
The powder cake itself acts as an intermediary that facilitates ink penetration through its porous structure. The capillary channels within the powder mass naturally draw the ink inward, enabling deep penetration without requiring high pressure or complex delivery mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable ink dispensing parameters are implemented, then aesthetic effects are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves aesthetic versatility by adjusting parameters of the deposition process (such as deposition amount, deposition pattern, and drying conditions) rather than requiring complex mechanical adjustments. This allows multiple aesthetic effects to be achieved through software control of simple parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability through dynamic control of the deposition process parameters, allowing the same basic apparatus to produce varied aesthetic effects by changing operational parameters rather than requiring multiple fixed-configuration components
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 comprehensive coloration throughout the powder mass, creating complex aesthetic and functional designs without clogging issues, using pigments of any size.
Implementation Method 1
the material of which the cake is made is impregnated by capillary action and in depth, taking on different colors and shades
Implementation Method 2
a step of drying the cake, which is obtained through a heat treatment carried out at a temperature between 20°C and 90°C
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
An innovative process for coloring solid compact powder cosmetic products includes dripping ink droplets (5) of various colors and sizes onto an upper surface (3) of the cosmetic cake (1), and impregnating them into the cake itself.