Digital Printer Composite Wood Board Decor-Synchronous Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for creating decor-synchronous structures on wood-based panels are inefficient, as the application of raised structures often results in inaccuracies and a suboptimal aesthetic effect due to separate processes for decoration and structure creation, particularly when small color areas and structures need to be matched.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of a single or multi-layer decoration, followed by a corundum-containing paint layer, and an agent that influences paint flow, applied using digital printers, with a control device coordinating the sequence and positioning of paint layers and flow-interfering agents to ensure precise alignment with the decoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate processes are used for decoration and structure creation, then the processes can be optimized independently, but the alignment precision between decoration and structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess optimizationVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the decoration application process and structure creation process into a single integrated process. The digital printer applies both the decorative pattern and the flow-interfering agent in one operation, ensuring precise alignment between the decoration and the resulting structure (pores or raised areas). This eliminates the alignment errors that would occur if separate processes were used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow-interfering agent is applied to the paint layer before the paint fully cures, creating the desired structure (pores or raised areas) in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the final decoration is applied, the structure is already in place and perfectly aligned with the decorative pattern, eliminating the need for subsequent alignment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If traditional printing methods are used for small color areas, then the equipment is simpler, but the matching accuracy between small structures and decoration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidmatching accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical printing methods with a digital printing system. The digital printer uses digital control to precisely position and apply both the decorative pattern and the flow-interfering agent. This digital approach provides superior positioning accuracy for small color areas and structures, while the equipment remains relatively simple as it combines multiple functions in a single digital printing device.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple paint layers are applied separately, then the paint application is more flexible, but the production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaint application flexibilityVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple paint layer applications with the decoration and structure creation into a single integrated process. The digital printer applies the decorative pattern and flow-interfering agent simultaneously while the paint is still in a workable state, allowing multiple layers to be applied in one continuous operation rather than requiring separate processing steps for each layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach allows for the precise reproduction of natural decorations like wood or stone, achieving an optimal aesthetic effect by ensuring that the structure matches the decoration accurately and efficiently, reducing production time and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

application of an agent that influences the flow of paint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow modification:

Implementation Method 2

application of at least one coat of paint containing corundum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion resistance: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP2301762B9Method and a device for applying a structure to a composite wood board
Publication Date: 2013.12.25 FLOORING TECH LTD
  • EP2301762B9 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2301762B9 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP2301762B9 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The method involves applying a set of decorative materials by a digital printer (14), and applying a lacquer coating. A lacquer processing unit to be influenced is applied, and a final coating is processed, such that the application of the lacquer processing unit is enabled by the digital printer. The lacquer processing unit and unit for applying the decorative material and the lacquer coating are controlled by a controlling unit. A composite wood board (1) is provided with a layer or non-layer upper surface (15) with a decorative synchronous structure. An independent claim is also included for a device for applying a structure to a composite wood board, comprising a decorative material applying unit.