Ink Tray Fiber Layer Design for Retention and Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paint trays inadequately retain and transfer ink from the ink-retaining layer to application tools, leading to inefficiencies and potential paint loss.
Innovation Solution
A tray with a fiber-based ink-retaining layer, where fibers from a carrier layer have specific dimensions and materials, ensuring effective ink retention and transfer to tools like brushes or rollers, and optionally featuring a laminated rubber or silicone underside and Velcro attachments for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the ink-retaining layer uses a bristle fabric with high absorption capacity, then ink retention is improved, but ink transfer to application tools deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ink-retaining layer features local quality variation through fibers of different lengths (3 to 15 mm) and densities (850 to 7300 fibers/cm²) distributed across the carrier layer. Longer, denser fiber regions provide high ink absorption while shorter regions facilitate easier ink release and transfer to application tools, resolving the contradiction between retention and transfer efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If the fiber density is increased to improve ink retention, then ink holding capacity is improved, but ink transferability to paint application tools deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying precise fiber density ranges (850 to 7300 fibers/cm²) and fiber height ranges (3 to 15 mm). These controlled parameter variations optimize the balance between ink holding capacity and transferability, allowing the system to achieve both high retention and effective transfer without sacrificing either property.
3Ease of operation
If the tray is held at an angle during use, then accessibility is improved, but paint escape increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ink-retaining layer with its optimized fiber structure (3 to 15 mm height, 850 to 7300 fibers/cm² density) acts as a cushioning mechanism that prevents paint escape before it can occur. The fiber network creates capillary forces and surface tension effects that contain the ink, providing a safety margin that maintains paint containment reliability even when the tray is held at angles during use.
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 tray achieves efficient ink retention and transfer, preventing paint loss even when tilted, and allows for repeated solvent use without damaging the layer, enhancing paint application efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the color holding layer is formed from a bristle fabric... ink absorbed in the ink-retaining layer... enables sufficient hold of a color taken up in the ink-retaining layer
Implementation Method 2
an improved transfer of the ink taken up in the ink-retaining layer to a paint application tool... Ink absorbed in the ink holding layer can be almost completely transferred, especially to a paint roller or a brush
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tray for holding ink, comprising a base (1), said base (1) being provided with an ink holding layer (8) that consists of fibers. In order to improve the capacity of the ink holding layer (8) to hold ink and in order to allow ink to be transferred to an ink application tool, the fibers extending away from a top surface of a carrier layer (9) have a length of 3 to 15 mm, a density of the fibers extending away from the carrier layer (9) is 850 to 7300 fibers /cm2 and a thickness of the fibers is in the range of 20 to 80 μm.