Functional Yarn Structure for Wash-Durable Invisible Textile Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Invisible information printed on textile products using conventional methods is prone to loss due to washing or wear, leading to potential loss of security features and traceability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a functional yarn that absorbs specific wavelengths outside the visible light range, such as near-infrared, into textile fabrics, forming information units that are woven or embroidered, ensuring durability and visibility only under infrared illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If invisible information is printed on textile products using conventional printing methods, then the information can be provided on the textile surface, but the information may fall off due to washing or wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinvisible informationVSAvoidinformation durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by integrating light-absorbing materials into the yarn structure itself, combining textile fibers with functional pigments or dyes that absorb specific wavelengths of light. This creates a composite yarn where the functional material becomes an inherent part of the textile structure, preventing information loss during washing and wear while maintaining the invisible information property.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by selecting specific light-absorbing materials with particular absorption spectra and integrating them into yarns. By controlling the concentration, distribution, and optical properties of these materials, the invention achieves invisible information that remains stable under various washing and wear conditions while being detectable through specific wavelengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a functional yarn absorbing specific wavelengths is incorporated into textile fabric, then the invisible information durability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation durabilityVSAvoidtextile structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing functional yarns that serve multiple purposes: they provide the textile structure, contain the invisible information, and maintain durability through washing and wear. The light-absorbing materials are integrated in such a way that the same yarn structure performs both structural and functional roles, reducing the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functional light-absorbing materials with the textile yarn structure itself, rather than applying them as separate surface coatings or attachments. This integration combines the information-carrying function with the structural function of the yarn, simplifying the overall system while improving durability.

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

Enhances the longevity of invisible information on textiles by preventing fading and maintaining functionality despite washing or wear, while allowing secure and traceable authentication.

Implementation Method 1

a yarn that absorbs light having a specific wavelength λ in a range other than a visible light region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4660357A1Fiber product, functional thread, and sensing method
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 YAMAMOTO CHEM INC
  • EP4660357A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660357A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4660357A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A textile product including an information unit (90) that is provided in a predetermined shape on a textile fabric provided with a yarn (normal yarn(97)) that does not absorb light having a specific wavelength λ other than a visible light region, using a functional yarn (invisible yarn (96)) that absorbs light having the specific wavelength λ as a peak wavelength.