Cremains Portrait Surface Preparation Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for memorializing deceased loved ones using cremated remains lack personalization and artistic value, often resulting in impersonal and low-quality memorial artwork that fails to provide a meaningful connection with the deceased.
Innovation Solution
A method involving grinding cremated remains into uniform particles, applying an adhesive, and airbrushing a binder to create a surface for printing a likeness of the deceased, which can be enhanced with 3D printing or additional materials to create a dignified and emotionally evocative portrait.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional memorial methods (urns, scattering) are used, then the process is simple and quick, but the result lacks personalization and artistic value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple memorialization elements into a single integrated artwork: cremated remains are incorporated as the base material, adhesive binds the particles, and printed imagery is superimposed to create a unified portrait that merges physical remembrance with visual representation
Solution Approach 2:
The memorial artwork uses composite materials by combining cremated remains (organic particulate matter) with synthetic adhesive materials, creating a new composite medium that retains the symbolic value of the remains while providing a stable substrate for artistic expression and long-term preservation
2Loss of time
If cremains are scattered or placed in simple urns, then the process requires minimal time and resources, but no lasting artistic remembrance is created
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the cremated remains into uniform particles and pre-applying adhesive to the substrate before adding the imagery, which streamlines the overall process and reduces the time required for the actual memorial creation while ensuring high artistic quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by printing a likeness or image of the deceased onto the cremains-adhesive composite, creating a reproducible visual representation that captures the essence of the deceased and can be produced consistently with high artistic quality
3Device complexity
If low-quality urns or scattering is used, then the memorial is simple and inexpensive, but it provides no emotional connection or beauty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the memorial artwork to have different properties: the cremated remains provide the base texture and symbolic content, the adhesive provides structural integrity, and the printed imagery provides visual focus and personalization, with each layer serving a specific aesthetic and emotional function
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
This method allows for the creation of a personalized, aesthetically valuable portrait from cremated remains, providing a lasting and meaningful tribute that evokes fond emotions, addressing the need for a more dignified and memorable remembrance of deceased individuals.
Implementation Method 1
A layer of an adhesive is then placed onto the top surface, and while that layer of adhesive is still wet sifting all or a portion of the substantially uniform particle onto said layer
Implementation Method 2
this substantially uniform surface is airbrushed with a binder or fixative to create a prepared surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a likeness of a deceased human or animal, incorporating said human or animal's cremains in the likeness, prepared on a surface, is disclosed. The method allows for a surface to be prepared with at least one layer of adhesive, to which the cremains are attached to create a substantially surface, which is used to prepare the likeness.