Metalized Thermal Dye Receiver Enhancing Reflectance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal dye image receiver elements with metallic layers face a challenge in achieving enhanced specular reflectance without compromising the sharpness and density of printed images, particularly when the metallic layer thickness is excessive, and there is a need to improve reflectance on both sides of duplex receiver elements.

Innovation Solution

A thermal dye image receiver element comprising a substrate with a voided compliant layer, a metalized layer, and an opacifying layer, where the opacifying layer includes opacifying agents like titanium dioxide to provide a reflectance of at least 10% to 50%, ensuring improved specular reflectance without sacrificing other image properties, and can be configured as a duplex element with the same or different layers on both sides of the substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the thickness of the metallic layer is increased to enhance specular reflectance and metallic luster, then the reflectance and metallic appearance are improved, but the sharpness and density of the printed image are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecular reflectanceVSAvoidimage sharpness

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is divided into multiple functional layers: a metallic layer for reflectance, an intermediate layer for adhesion and barrier functions, and a dye-receiving layer for image formation. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising overall image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate layer is introduced between the metallic layer and the dye-receiving layer to act as a mediator. This intermediate layer prevents direct contact between the metal and dye, maintaining image sharpness while preserving the metallic reflectance effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If the thickness of the metallic layer is increased to provide enhanced metallic luster, then the metallic appearance is improved, but the density of the printed image is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetallic lusterVSAvoidimage density

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is divided into multiple functional layers: a metallic layer for reflectance, an intermediate layer for adhesion and barrier functions, and a dye-receiving layer for image formation. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising overall image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate layer is introduced between the metallic layer and the dye-receiving layer to act as a mediator. This intermediate layer prevents direct contact between the metal and dye, maintaining image sharpness while preserving the metallic reflectance effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If a metallic layer is added to provide specular reflectance, then the metallic appearance is enhanced, but the complexity of the substrate structure is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecular reflectanceVSAvoidsubstrate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adhesion between the metallic and dye-receiving layers, acts as a barrier to prevent dye migration into the metal, and maintains the structural integrity of the substrate. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhanced specular reflectance and maintains image quality, providing a metallic appearance with uniformity and high gloss, while also offering improved light stability and resistance to print drop-out and dust accumulation due to the conductive properties of the metalized layer.

Implementation Method 1

metallic layers to provide enhanced thermal dye images... provide a metallic appearance with uniformity and high gloss... enhanced specular reflectance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the opacifying layer comprises an opacifying agent in an amount sufficient to provide the thermal dye image receiver element with a reflectance of at least 10% and up to and including 50%

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

A line-type thermal printing head is used to apply heat from the back of the dye-donor sheet. The thermal printing head has many heating elements and is heated up sequentially

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

The compliant layer provides insulation to keep heat generated by the thermal head at the surface of the print

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS8969244B2Metallized thermal dye image receiver elements and imaging

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 KODAK ALARIS LLC

AI summary

A thermal dye image receiver element has a substrate comprising a voided compliant layer and metalized layer. Disposed on the metalized layer is an opacifying layer that includes an opacifying agent and a dye receiving layer. This thermal dye image receiver element can be a duplex element with image receiving layers on both sides of the substrate, and it can be used in association with a thermal donor element to provide a thermal image on either or opposing sides of the receiver element. The metalized layer provides increased specular reflectance under resulting thermal dye images.