Magnetizable Ink Coating for Large Surface Functionalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for magnetically functionalizing surfaces are time-consuming, require manual effort, and involve high costs due to the use of piecewise magnetic elements with limited shapes and bulkiness, making them inefficient for larger surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A magnetizable ink composed of magnetizable microparticles or nanoparticles, solvents, and binders, allowing for easy application and curing at moderate temperatures, providing good adhesion and flexibility on polymer substrates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If piecewise magnetic elements are used for magnetizing surfaces, then magnetic functionality can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires manual effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic functionalityVSAvoidintegration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple magnetic elements into a single continuous magnetic layer applied via inkjet printing. Instead of placing individual magnets piece by piece, the magnetic material is deposited as a continuous layer that can be quickly printed onto the surface, dramatically reducing integration time while maintaining magnetic functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical placement of magnetic elements with an automated inkjet printing process. The printing system deposits magnetic material precisely controlled by digital data, eliminating manual handling and assembly operations, thereby reducing both time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If piecewise magnetic elements are used, then magnetic signal functionality can be achieved, but additional costs and time are required for selection and manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic signal functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal magnetic layer that can be applied to various surfaces and configurations through inkjet printing. The same printing system and magnetic material formulation can produce different magnetic patterns and functionalities by changing digital data, eliminating the need to select from pre-manufactured magnetic components for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital data to control the precise placement and pattern of magnetic material during printing. The magnetic layer is created as a direct copy of the desired magnetic pattern from digital files, eliminating the need for physical templates, molds, or pre-manufactured magnetic components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Area of stationary object

If bulky magnetic elements are used for larger surfaces, then magnetic coverage can be achieved, but space must be planned and taken into account during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface area coverageVSAvoidspace occupied by magnetic elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies magnetic material as a thin, flexible layer through inkjet printing rather than using bulky three-dimensional magnetic elements. The magnetic layer can be deposited as a thin film that conforms to the surface geometry, providing comprehensive coverage without occupying significant space or requiring complex space planning during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If thermal treatment above 120°C is used for curing the magnetizable layer, then good adhesion and flexibility can be achieved, but compatibility with elastomeric substrates is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion and flexibilityVSAvoidcuring temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition and molecular structure of the binder system to enable curing at low temperatures below 120°C. By changing the chemical parameters of the binder, the system achieves adequate crosslinking and adhesion without requiring high-temperature processing that would damage elastomeric substrates, thus maintaining both adhesion and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient and cost-effective magnetization of larger surfaces by allowing for flexible and adhesive magnetizable layers that can be applied to non-planar surfaces, reducing integration time and costs.

Implementation Method 1

magnetizable ink for functionalizing surfaces... comprising at least one magnetizable material... the magnetizable material comprising magnetizable microparticles and/or nanoparticles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4269510B1Magnetisable ink for functionalising surfaces
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 CONTITECH DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4269510B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(c)
  • EP4269510B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4269510B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A magnetizable ink for functionalizing surfaces is described, comprising at least one magnetizable material, at least one solvent and at least one binder, wherein the magnetizable material comprises microparticles and/or nanoparticles, a plastic molded body comprising at least one surface functionalized with this magnetizable ink, a method for producing such a plastic molded body, the use of such a magnetizable ink for functionalizing surfaces and the use of such a plastic molded body as a component in an automobile.