Flexible Translucent Sheet for Wood Stain Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of matching wood stains is challenging due to the transparency of stains, which makes it difficult to achieve a consistent finish, especially when considering variations in wood and lighting conditions, often requiring trial and error away from the actual location of the wood product.
Innovation Solution
A flexible translucent sheet with semi-translucent color patterns representing different wood grain and finish combinations, allowing the underlying surface to be visible through the sheet, which can be applied to the wood product to simulate various stain options and finishes, including gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte finishes, without the need for adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional stain matching is performed away from the wood product location (at paint store or woodshop), then the matching process can be completed, but the lighting conditions may result in undesirable stain match and multiple trials are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-printing multiple stain color patterns on a flexible sheet that can be attached to the wood product. This allows the wood grain and color variations to be evaluated in advance under actual lighting conditions before committing to a stain selection, eliminating the need for multiple trial stains later
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating visual representations of different stain colors and wood grain combinations on a flexible sheet. These printed patterns serve as copies that simulate the final stained appearance, allowing accurate color matching to be performed on-site without actual staining trials
2Manufacturing precision
If stain is applied to match wood color, then the wood finish is achieved, but the transparency of stain makes it difficult to achieve consistent finish due to wood variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different color patterns on the same flexible sheet that correspond to different wood species, grain patterns, and color variations. Each pattern is tailored to match specific local characteristics of the wood, allowing precise color matching for diverse wood types in one comprehensive tool
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes by incorporating multiple pre-printed stain color patterns on the flexible sheet, each representing different stain colors and wood grain combinations. This allows the user to visually compare different color outcomes and select the best match without actual staining
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid color chart is used for stain matching, then color samples are available, but the chart cannot conform to the surface profile of the wood product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly applies flexible shells and thin films by using a flexible sheet made of thin material that can conform to the surface profile of the wood product. The sheet can be attached to curved or irregular surfaces, allowing accurate color evaluation on the actual wood geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a rigid two-dimensional color chart to a flexible three-dimensional sheet that can adapt to the surface contours of the wood product, adding the dimension of surface conformity to the color matching tool
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
Enables accurate and efficient stain matching by allowing users to visualize the desired finish directly on the wood product, reducing the need for multiple trials and improving consistency across different lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible translucent sheet, and at least one semi-translucent color pattern applied to the translucent sheet such that a surface to which the translucent sheet is attached is visible through the translucent sheet and the semi-translucent color pattern
Implementation Method 2
The flexible translucent sheet may be formed of a static cling vinyl film having a thickness in the range of between about 0.04 and 0.12 mm
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for selecting a finish for applying to an item. The apparatus includes a flexible translucent sheet, and at least one semi-translucent color applied to the translucent sheet such that a surface to which the translucent sheet is attached is visible through the translucent sheet and the semi-translucent color. The system includes the apparatus and a protective laminate surface covering the at least one semi-translucent color. The method includes providing a plurality of translucent sheets each having at least one semi-translucent color, examining an item to determine the type of finish of the item, selecting a flexible translucent sheet according to the finish of the item, conforming and affixing the selected translucent sheet to the surface of the item, and viewing the surface of the item through the selected translucent sheet.