Electromagnetic Energy-Absorbing Optical Product

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for imparting color to optical products, such as automotive and architectural window films, face challenges including environmental hazards, high energy consumption, limited solubility of organic dyes, and surface uniformity issues, particularly in achieving high levels of darkening and UV stability.

Innovation Solution

A composite coating comprising a polyionic binder in the first layer and an electromagnetic energy-absorbing insoluble particle in the second layer, with complementary binding group pairs, applied in an aqueous-based process at ambient temperatures and pressures, to achieve uniform color and high electromagnetic energy absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If organic dyes are used to impart color to optical products, then color saturation is achieved, but environmental hazards and UV stability deteriorate due to solvent exposure and dye degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor saturationVSAvoidenvironmental hazards and UV stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the coloring mechanism from organic dye absorption to inorganic pigment reflection. This parameter change eliminates the need for organic solvents and high-temperature processing, thereby removing environmental hazards while maintaining color saturation through controlled pigment dispersion in aqueous media at ambient conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, UV-unstable organic dyes with cost-effective, UV-stable inorganic pigments. The inorganic pigments provide long-term color stability under UV radiation without degrading, eliminating the need for frequent replacement while maintaining aesthetic appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Loss of energy

If pigmented layers are applied to achieve high levels of darkening, then electromagnetic energy absorption is improved, but haze and clarity deteriorate due to high pigment concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic energy absorptionVSAvoidhaze and clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by using specifically sized pigment particles (0.1-10 micrometers) that are optimized for their dual function: small enough to minimize light scattering (maintaining clarity) and large enough to effectively absorb electromagnetic energy. This local optimization of particle size resolves the contradiction between energy absorption and optical clarity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite coating system combining inorganic pigments with polymeric binders in an aqueous matrix. This composite structure allows the pigment particles to be uniformly distributed without aggregation, achieving both high electromagnetic energy absorption and maintained clarity through proper phase distribution and interface control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If thick pigmented coatings are applied to achieve desired color saturation, then color intensity is improved, but surface uniformity deteriorates due to orange peel and mottling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor intensityVSAvoidsurface uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses partial action by applying multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat. Each thin coat dries uniformly without surface defects, and the cumulative effect of multiple coats achieves the desired color intensity while maintaining surface uniformity. This approach avoids the orange peel and mottling problems associated with thick single-layer applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the application parameter from thick single-layer coating to multiple thin-layer coatings. This parameter change in coating thickness and application methodology enables uniform pigment distribution in each layer, preventing surface defects while achieving target color intensity through cumulative buildup

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improved haze, clarity, surface uniformity, and UV stability while enabling environmentally friendly manufacturing, capable of achieving high levels of darkening and customizable optical properties.

Implementation Method 1

each of the first layer and the second layer include a binding group component which together form a complimentary binding group pair

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBinding group interaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a second layer that includes an electromagnetic energy-absorbing insoluble particle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9891347B2Electromagnetic energy-absorbing optical product and method for making

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 EASTMAN CHEM CO

AI summary

An electromagnetic energy-absorbing optical product useful as a composite for coloring an opaque article such as a paint composite or car wrap is disclosed. The electromagnetic energy-absorbing optical product includes a polymeric substrate and a composite coating with the composite coating including first and second layers each containing a binding group component which together form a complimentary binding group pair.