Inkless Printing via Multi-Wavelength Radiation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkless printing methods are limited in color change and control, which restricts their effectiveness and commercial interest due to limitations in the range of colors and light stability of the printed substrates.
Innovation Solution
A substrate marking apparatus using a radiation source capable of producing near infrared (NIR) or infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, allowing for controlled irradiation of selected areas to achieve desired color changes, improving light stability and color range by activating only the areas to be marked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wavelength radiation source is used for inkless printing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the color range and control over color change are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is segmented into multiple wavelength components (e.g., UV, visible, infrared) that can be independently controlled. This allows selective activation of different photosensitive materials and control over different stages of color change, thereby expanding the color range without requiring a completely different system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by adding wavelength selection capability to the radiation source. Instead of using a single wavelength, the system can now operate at multiple wavelengths simultaneously or sequentially, enabling access to different color spaces and improving overall versatility.
2Reliability
If the entire substrate is irradiated with activating radiation, then the activation process is simplified, but the light stability of unmarked areas deteriorates due to susceptibility to ambient light
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by selectively irradiating only specific areas of the substrate with activating radiation, rather than treating the entire substrate uniformly. This is achieved through spatial control of the radiation source or use of masks, ensuring that only the desired marked areas undergo color change while unmarked areas remain stable and resistant to ambient light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by first activating only the specific areas that require marking before the actual color change process. This preliminary selective activation ensures that only the intended areas become susceptible to color change, thereby improving light stability of the overall substrate while maintaining control over the marking process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple radiation sources are used to achieve better color control, then the manufacturing precision of color changes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a radiation source system that can perform multiple functions through wavelength selection. A single multi-wavelength source can activate different photosensitive materials, control different color change stages, and achieve various color outcomes, thereby reducing the need for multiple dedicated sources while maintaining high manufacturing precision.
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 apparatus enhances control over the marking process, increases color range, and improves light stability by using multiple wavelengths, reducing susceptibility to discolouration from background/ambient light, and offers efficiency gains, particularly in changing colors like blue to red.
Implementation Method 1
substrate which includes material susceptible to changing colour upon irradiation... near infrared (NIR) or infrared (IR) radiation to activate the substrate for colour change
Implementation Method 2
ultraviolet (UV) radiation to effect a colour change of the substrate
Implementation Method 3
near infrared (NIR) or infrared (IR) radiation to effect a further colour change of the substrate
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A substrate marking apparatus for use in combination with a substrate comprising a multi-colour change diacetylene compound is disclosed. The substrate marking apparatus comprises: at least two radiation sources operable to emit radiation of different wavelengths, optical transformation elements and a control system. The control system takes digital file information and converts this to a set of emission instructions for the radiation sources. The radiation sources are then applied to the substrate in sequence and intensity determined by the control system such that the substrate is activated to change from a colourless state to any one of a range of multiple permanent colours.