Elastomeric Graphic Laminate With Clear Nonslip Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for applying printed films to elastomeric substrates face limitations in functionality, clarity, and durability, particularly in providing high friction, high resolution images, and tactile feel, while being cost-effective and adhesive-compatible.
Innovation Solution
A high resolution elastomeric exterior laminate material comprising a polymeric film with an ink graphic layer, bonded to a textured film or fabric, using a SEBS-like material that penetrates interstitial areas to form a uniform laminate with enhanced clarity and traction, achieved through a controlled lamination process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If silicone based materials with platinum catalyst based adhesive are used to bond printed film to elastomeric substrate, then water repellency and surface tension are improved, but cost increases and adhesion reliability deteriorates due to inertness and bonding difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane-modified polymer coating as an intermediary layer between the printed film and elastomeric substrate. This coating contains silane groups that can chemically bond to both the film surface and the elastomer, creating reliable adhesion without requiring platinum catalysts. The silane modification enables chemical bonding while maintaining water repellency through the hydrophobic elastomer surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the bonding system by replacing platinum catalyst-based adhesives with silane-modified polymers. This parameter change eliminates the need for expensive platinum catalysts while improving adhesion reliability through chemical bonding. The silane groups provide both bonding capability and water repellency, resolving the contradiction between these properties.
2Force
If conventional coatings are applied to increase friction between label and mold cavity surface, then friction is improved, but image clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a clear, transparent silane-modified polymer coating that provides friction enhancement through surface texture rather than opacity. The coating maintains local optical clarity to preserve image quality while providing sufficient friction through controlled surface properties. This local quality approach allows different regions to serve different functions: the surface provides friction while the coating remains transparent for image visibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If printed fabric is co-molded with substrate or formed in secondary operation, then integration is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the silane-modified polymer coating to the printed fabric before the molding operation. This preliminary coating application simplifies the overall process by preparing the fabric surface in advance, ensuring proper adhesion during molding without requiring complex multi-step procedures. The coating is applied, cured, and then the fabric is ready for straightforward co-molding with the elastomeric substrate.
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 laminate provides a durable, high-friction, high-resolution, and tactile surface with improved grip performance, comfort, and image clarity, suitable for various applications without the need for adhesives, while maintaining transparency and elasticity.
Implementation Method 1
a SEBS like transparent polymeric material which is formed as a layer on the fabric layer and penetrating the interstitial areas in a manner to substantially remove all air therefrom
Implementation Method 2
the exterior polymeric film layer imparts a nonslip tactile surface to the laminate
Data Source
AI summary
An elastomeric laminate material having resolution and image clarity includes an underlying ink graphic fabric material which is receptive to a elastomer-based material, the underlying ink graphic fabric material layer having an image thereon having interstitial areas residing in the underlying ink graphic fabric material layer and elastomer-based transparent material is formed as a layer thereon penetrating the interstitial areas in a manner to substantially remove all air therefrom and which is compressed and consolidated bonded to the ink graphic layer to form a substantially uniform laminate configuration and retain a transparent and elastic cushion characteristic through the exterior polymeric film layer enabling resolution and clarity of the image, wherein the exterior polymeric film layer imparts a nonslip tactile surface to the laminate.