Elastomeric Laminate Ink Clarity via SEBS Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coatings for printed high-resolution images on fabrics or films lack durability, adhesion, and clarity, and are costly, with silicone-based materials being difficult to bond and inert, leading to low wear time and degradation in usage applications.
Innovation Solution
A high-resolution elastomeric exterior laminate material with a polymeric film and ink graphic layer, using a SEBS-like material that penetrates interstitial areas in the fabric to form a uniform laminate with enhanced clarity and traction, and a textured surface for improved grip and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If silicone-based materials are used to repel water and provide surface tension, then water repellency and surface tension are improved, but bonding difficulty increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bonding agent layer as an intermediary substance between the silicone-based exterior material and the substrate. This bonding agent facilitates adhesion between the water-repellent silicone surface and the underlying structure, resolving the contradiction by enabling easy bonding while maintaining the water repellency and surface tension properties of the silicone material.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If silicone-based materials with platinum catalyst adhesive are used, then water repellency is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cost-effective bonding agent that does not require expensive platinum catalysts. This alternative bonding agent provides sufficient adhesion for the application while significantly reducing material costs, allowing the product to maintain water repellency without the high cost associated with traditional platinum-based adhesives.
3Reliability
If prior art coatings are used for printed film, then protection of printed ink is improved, but friction and grip performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure combining a silicone-based exterior material with a textured surface pattern and a bonding agent layer. This composite design provides multiple functions simultaneously: the silicone layer protects the printed ink, while the textured surface pattern enhances friction and grip performance, resolving the contradiction between protection and tactile performance.
4Stability of the object's composition
If printed fabric is co-molded with substrate, then integration is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the manufacturing process into separate stages: first applying the bonding agent and exterior material to the fabric, then separately molding the substrate. This segmentation allows for better control of each step, improving integration quality while reducing manufacturing complexity compared to attempting to mold everything simultaneously.
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 solution provides a durable, comfortable, and non-slip grip with high traction and clarity, allowing for personalized tactile feel and enhanced durability, suitable for various applications including sports equipment and tool handles.
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 may be textured to provide a desired tactile feel. The texture may be formed by a deformed film or may be applied to the film or fabric layer.
Implementation Method 3
The exterior polymeric film may be a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoset and may be hydrophobic
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 SEBS like material, the underlying ink graphic fabric material layer having an image thereon having interstitial areas residing in the fabric and 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 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.