Gradient Thermochromatic Fishing Lure Coating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fishing lures with thermochromatic inks applied uniformly lack realism as they mimic prey in nature, which typically exhibits gradient color changes rather than solid blocks of color, making them less authentic.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a non-thermochromatic base layer on a plastic fishing lure, mixed with clear extender to create a thermochromatic ink-extender amalgam, applied in gradient layers with increasing hue saturation, followed by an ultra-clear lacquer finish, allowing for temperature-sensitive color changes resembling natural prey.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermochromatic ink is applied uniformly to the entire lure surface, then the lure exhibits temperature-sensitive color change, but the appearance becomes unrealistic blocks of color rather than natural gradient patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermochromatic ink in gradient layers with varying concentrations across different zones of the lure surface. The ink is mixed with clear extender in multiple passes, creating areas of different hue saturation that correspond to natural color gradients found in prey organisms. This local variation in ink concentration and composition achieves realistic appearance while maintaining temperature-sensitive color change throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The application process divides the lure surface into multiple treatment zones with different numbers of ink layers. Some areas receive more thermochromatic ink layers than others, creating a segmented approach where each zone contributes to the overall gradient effect. This segmentation allows precise control over color intensity and temperature response in different regions.
2Reliability
If multiple layers of thermochromatic ink are applied to increase hue saturation, then the color change effect is enhanced, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermochromatic ink in multiple layers beyond what would be minimally required for basic color change. This excessive application in gradient patterns ensures sufficient hue saturation in key areas while allowing natural fading in other areas. The multiple layers create overlapping color effects that enhance the overall saturation and temperature response.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink mixture parameters are varied across different application layers, including the ratio of thermochromatic ink to clear extender. Each successive layer may have different saturation levels and temperature response characteristics. This parameter variation allows control over both hue saturation and application complexity, as the process becomes systematic rather than arbitrary.
3Manufacturing precision
If clear extender is added to thermochromatic ink to enable spraying, then the ink can be applied in gradient patterns, but the ink viscosity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Clear extender acts as an intermediary substance that modifies the physical properties of thermochromatic ink without eliminating its color-changing functionality. The extender reduces viscosity to sprayable consistency while maintaining the thermochromatic properties. Multiple layers of this diluted ink create gradient effects as each layer deposits with slightly different concentration and transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining thermochromatic pigment with clear extender base. This composite material exhibits both the desired flow properties for gradient application and the temperature-sensitive optical properties. The composite nature allows tuning of viscosity, saturation, and temperature response by adjusting the ratio and type of extender used.
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 achieves a more realistic and authentic appearance by creating a gradient color effect in response to water temperature changes, enhancing the lure's ability to mimic natural prey, thereby improving its effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A process where materials are applied to a plastic fishing lure surface is performed, producing a lure that possesses chromatic vicissitude as a result of water temperature fluctuations
Data Source
AI summary
A process where materials are applied to a plastic fishing lure surface, producing a lure that possesses chromatic vicissitude as a result of water temperature fluctuations. A non-thermochromatic base layer of one or more colors is applied to the plastic fishing lure. This layer acts as the visual appearance of the fishing lure in the absence of temperature fluctuations. Clear extender is then used as an additive to the thermochromatic ink. This addition to the ink then allows the ink to be sprayed onto the surface of the lure. This ink-extender amalgam can be applied in multiple layers however the bottom layer must have the least amount of hue saturation. Each layer thereafter would increase in hue saturation. Multiple hue combinations can be utilized. Once the desired number of thermochromatic layers has been applied, an ultra-clear super high gloss lacquer finish is sprayed on to the exterior of all layers.