Gold Leaf Transfer Using Aqueous Separation and Ultrasonic Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gold leaf processing methods face challenges in handling and separation from base materials, leading to weak bonding, economic issues due to thickness requirements, and potential harm from non-edible materials, making them unsuitable for edible or cosmetic use.
Innovation Solution
A gold leaf processing device and method that separates gold leaf from its base material using an aqueous solution and ultrasonic waves, attaching it to a second base material for easy handling and safe use in beverages or beauty applications, with a device comprising a gold leaf attaching part and transfer part for efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If gold leaf thickness is reduced to 0.1μm to achieve thinner leaf, then the cost decreases, but holes are formed and the surface becomes sparse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the base material by applying ultrasonic vibration and using aqueous solution to modify the separation characteristics between gold leaf and base material, enabling clean separation at optimal thickness without surface defects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical separation with ultrasonic vibration-based separation, using acoustic energy to detach gold leaf from base material without physical contact or damage to the thin gold leaf surface
2Strength
If pressure is applied to attach gold leaf to base material for handling, then the bonding strength is improved, but damage or deformation occurs during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding parameters by using ultrasonic vibration to create temporary weak bonding during processing, then separating the gold leaf cleanly without residual strong adhesion that would cause damage during handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the bonding strength dynamic through ultrasonic vibration - maintaining weak bonding during processing for easy handling, then enabling clean separation when needed, avoiding permanent strong bonding that would cause damage
3Ease of manufacture
If existing base material is used for gold leaf attachment, then the processing is simple, but harmful ingredients may be present that are not suitable for edible or cosmetic use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful base material away from the gold leaf through ultrasonic separation and aqueous solution processing, leaving only the safe gold leaf and allowing replacement with edible or cosmetic-grade base materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses aqueous solution as an intermediary medium to facilitate separation between gold leaf and harmful base material, enabling clean detachment without direct contact between gold leaf and harmful substances
4Ease of operation
If gold leaf is left attached to base material for easy handling, then the handling is convenient, but water permeation causes difficult separation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates dynamic bonding characteristics where ultrasonic vibration enables easy separation when needed, while allowing temporary attachment for handling. The bonding strength changes based on ultrasonic application - weak without vibration, separable with vibration
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 the production of gold leaf suitable for floating on beverages or beauty applications, improving handling and safety by separating gold leaf from harmful base materials and attaching it to harmless second base materials, facilitating its use in food or cosmetic applications.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic generator for applying ultrasonic waves to the aqueous solution
Data Source
AI summary
A gold leaf processing device separates gold leaf from a gold leaf fabric having a first base material attached thereto, and attaches the separated gold leaf to a second base material, the gold leaf processing device comprising: a gold leaf attaching part which dips the gold leaf fabric in an aqueous solution to allow the first base material to be sunk and separated from the gold leaf, and attaches the second base material to the gold leaf remaining, in a floating state, on the surface of the aqueous solution; and a gold leaf fabric transfer part which transfers the gold leaf fabric to the gold leaf attaching part. An associated method of using the device is also provided.