Multi-layer system composition for colour flip-flop effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems that utilize interference pigments to achieve a colour flip-flop effect are expensive and limited to specific colour shades, making it difficult to specify a desired flip-flop effect and determine the corresponding multi-layer system composition.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining the composition of a multi-layer system that exhibits a predetermined colour flip-flop effect, which includes a substrate, a first colour layer, an effect layer containing platelet-shaped effect pigments, and a second colour layer, using a statistical approach to specify target values for colour shade and brightness at different observation angles and employing an empirical model to determine the optimal composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interference pigments are used to achieve a colour flip-flop effect, then the colour flip-flop effect is achieved, but the cost increases and the system is limited to specific colour shades
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the multi-layer system by replacing interference pigments with a combination of platelet-shaped effect pigments and colorants in different layers. By adjusting the parameters such as platelet orientation, layer composition, and colorant selection, the system achieves color flip-flop effects with flexible color shades without being limited to specific predetermined colors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining platelet-shaped effect pigments with colorants in a multi-layer system. The effect layer contains platelet-shaped effect pigments while the color layers contain colorants, creating a composite structure that produces both the flip-flop effect and desired color shades through the interaction of these different materials.
2Reliability
If interference pigments are used to achieve a colour flip-flop effect, then the colour flip-flop effect is achieved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive interference pigments with more cost-effective platelet-shaped effect pigments combined with standard colorants. This substitution uses cheaper, readily available materials to achieve the same functional effect, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining the color flip-flop effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by substituting complex interference pigments with simpler platelet-shaped effect pigments and colorants. This parameter change simplifies the production process and reduces material costs while maintaining the desired optical effect.
3Manufacturing precision
If a specific interference pigment is selected, then a specific colour flip-flop effect is achieved, but the ability to specify a desired flip-flop effect is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamics by making the system adjustable and configurable. Instead of being fixed to predetermined color pairs from specific interference pigments, the multi-layer system allows dynamic selection of colorants and platelet characteristics to specify any desired color flip-flop effect, providing both precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter changes by allowing adjustment of colorant selection, platelet orientation, and layer composition. This flexibility permits precise specification of desired color flip-flop effects by changing system parameters rather than being constrained by fixed interference pigment options.
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 allows for the reliable determination of a multi-layer system composition that achieves a desired colour flip-flop effect without the need for interference pigments, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness in producing systems with specific colour characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
which cause a reflection of parts of the light waves at different planes
Implementation Method 2
and a refraction of a part of the light waves
Implementation Method 3
so that the light waves reflected from the different planes travel different distances leading to an interference
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining the composition of a multi-layer system showing a predetermined colour flip-flop effect, wherein the multi-layer system comprises from bottom to top a) a substrate, b) at least one first colour layer containing a colourant, which is arranged on the substrate a), c) on the at least one first colour layer an effect layer containing at least one platelet-shaped effect pigment, and d) on the effect layer c) at least one second colour layer containing a colourant, wherein each of the at least one first colour layer and of the at least one second colour layer contains a colourant being no platelet-shaped effect pigment, wherein the method comprises the following steps: i) specifying a first target value for the colour shade and/or colour brightness of the top side of the multi-layer system seen at a first observation angle, ii) specifying a second target value for the colour shade and/or colour brightness of the top side of the multi-layer system seen at a second observation angle, wherein the second observation angle is different from the first observation angle, and wherein the second target value is different from the first target value, iii) specifying a colourant system comprising at least one colourant and further comprising one effect pigment layer recipe being suitable for forming the effect layer c), iv) providing at least one empirical model of the relationship between the colour shades and/or colour brightness at least two different observation angles comprising at least the first observation angle and the second observation angle specified in step ii) of the top side of a first number of multi-layer systems, at least 90% of which comprising at least one first colour layer b) having at least one colourant as specified in step iii), at least one second colour layer d) having at least one colourant as specified in step iii) and an effect layer c) made of the effect pigment layer recipe specified in step iii), and v) determining—making use of the at least one empirical model provided in step iv)—the composition of a multi-layer system (10) having within a predetermined tolerance the first target value specified in step i) and the second target value specified in step ii), or, if none is found, specifying a new tolerance for the first target value specified in step i) and/or the second target value specified in step ii), or specifying in steps i) and ii) a new first target value and/or new the second target value, or repeating the method by specifying in step iii) a different colourant system, which preferably covers more different colourants than the colourant system used before, wherein the determination in step v) is performed by using a computer program.