Multi-Colored Article Dyeing Using Repeated Short-Dip Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for dyeing articles are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly when aiming for solid colors, gradients, or multiple colors, as they require lengthy dipping and drying processes to achieve complete saturation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving repeated short dips into a dye bath followed by drying, where the article is dipped to different depths and with different colorants to achieve the desired color and saturation levels, utilizing acid dyes and controlled temperature to enhance dye penetration and speed up the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the article is dipped into the dye bath for a long period to achieve complete saturation, then the color saturation is improved, but the processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using repeated short-duration dips (e.g., 5-30 seconds) followed by drying periods, instead of a single long dip. This cyclical process allows the dye to penetrate the material progressively while maintaining color saturation, reducing total processing time from hours to minutes while achieving complete saturation through multiple brief exposures with drying intervals between them.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple colors are applied to the article, then the color variety is improved, but the processing time increases due to sequential dyeing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple colors to be applied through repeated periodic dips in different color dye baths. Each color can be applied in succession using the same short-dip/quick-dry cycle, allowing three or more colors to be applied in minutes rather than hours. The periodic nature of the process allows rapid switching between colors without requiring lengthy drying or processing intervals between color applications.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional dyeing methods are used to achieve solid color, then the color uniformity is improved, but the drying time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic short dips followed by brief drying periods to achieve solid, uniform colors. Each short dip (5-30 seconds) imparts a controlled amount of dye, and the brief drying period between dips allows for even distribution without requiring long drying times. This cyclical process achieves complete saturation and color uniformity in a fraction of the time required by traditional single-step dyeing methods, reducing total drying time from hours to minutes.
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 method significantly reduces the time required to achieve the desired color and saturation, allowing for quick and efficient dyeing of articles with solid colors, gradients, or multiple colors, while maintaining compatibility with various materials.
Implementation Method 1
The article is dipped into a dye bath to a first predetermined depth for a first short period less than the dipping time period required to achieve complete saturation
Implementation Method 2
The article may be dipped again into the dye bath to a second predetermined depth for a second short period, then removed and dried. The dyeing and drying steps are repeated until the article is imbued with the selected color and saturation
Implementation Method 3
The article then is removed from the dye bath and dried
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for coloring an article. The article is dipped into a liquid colorant to a first predetermined depth for first short period less than the 100 percent single dip saturation time. The article then is removed from the liquid colorant and dried. The article may be dipped into a liquid colorant to a second predetermined depth for a second short period, then removed and dried. The dyeing and drying steps are repeated until the article is imbued with the selected color and saturation.