Layered Textile Print Structure for Faster Custom Image Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for custom printing on textiles, such as screen printing and direct-to-garment printing, are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring multiple steps and additional expenses for silk-screen preparation, which affect production speed and image quality.

Innovation Solution

A multiple layered print structure is created using digital printing processes, combining print layers with an adhesive layer on a substrate in a pre-set pattern, facilitated by a printing apparatus with multiple heads or drums, to simplify the printing process and eliminate the need for silk-screening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If screen printing and direct-to-garment printing methods are used, then custom designs can be printed on textiles, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustom design capabilityVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The printing system is divided into multiple independent print heads, each capable of depositing different layers or colors simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different parts of the design, significantly reducing overall print time while maintaining custom design capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional single-layer or sequential multi-layer printing to multi-layer simultaneous printing by adding the vertical dimension of layer stacking. Multiple layers are deposited at different heights and then fused together, enabling complex custom designs to be printed in a single operation rather than multiple sequential steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If silk-screen preparation is performed, then printing can be done on textiles, but additional expenses and process steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidprocess steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the silk-screen preparation step entirely by using direct digital printing heads that deposit material layer-by-layer based on digital design files. This removes the need for physical screen fabrication, coating, and maintenance while simplifying the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical silk-screen system is replaced with a digital deposition system where print heads directly deposit binding material and design material in a controlled manner. This substitution eliminates the need for physical screens, stencils, and manual alignment processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple printing steps are used, then design details can be achieved, but image quality is affected and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign detail accuracyVSAvoidprint time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary layer deposition and positioning before final fusion, allowing precise placement of design elements in their correct spatial relationships from the outset. The binding material is pre-applied in the exact pattern needed, eliminating the need for multiple corrective printing passes and reducing total print time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach reduces print time and labor by enabling faster, efficient printing of custom designs on textiles with improved image quality and reduced production costs.

Implementation Method 1

A multiple layered print structure is created using digital printing processes, combining print layers with an adhesive layer on a substrate in a pre-set pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital printing deposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The multiple layered print structure includes one or more print layers printed on substrate and an adhesive layer deposited on the print layer(s)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20260070364A1Multiple layered print structure and apparatus for fabric or cloth

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 READY SET CO LLC

AI summary

A multiple layered print structure and apparatus to apply a design or image to fabric or cloth is disclosed. The structure may include one or more print layers printed on a substrate and an adhesive layer deposited on the print layer(s). The one or more print layer(s) and adhesive or resin layer may be deposited on the substrate in a pre-set pattern to form the shape profile for the design or image. The print layer(s) include inks or dyes for printing the print features and/or background color(s) of the image or design. The ink may be combined with a binder material to form the print layer(s). In some embodiments, the process includes the step of printing the multiple layered print structure using a combination of digital printing processes simplify the process for printing a design or image on fabric or cloth.