Multi-Layer Textile Ink Structure for Angle-Dependent Graphics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional textile substrate ink applications result in uniformly flat surfaces, limiting the ability to create complex, angle-dependent graphics or images that change visibility when viewed from different angles.

Innovation Solution

A textile substrate with multiple ink layers, where each layer is strategically positioned and configured to change visibility based on the viewing angle, using techniques such as digital direct printing and screen printing to apply layers with specific visual components that mask or reveal images as the angle changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional single-layer ink application is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the visual complexity and angle-dependent graphics are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink layer structureVSAvoidangle-dependent visual effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the ink application into multiple separate layers (first ink layer, second ink layer, third ink layer), each containing different visual components. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute specific visual elements that are selectively visible from different angles, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and visual versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-plane (2D) ink application to a multi-layered (3D) structure where ink layers are positioned at different heights and depths. This dimensional change enables angle-dependent visibility, as viewers see different combinations of layers from different perspectives, thus achieving complex visual effects without excessive manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ink layers are applied to create angle-dependent graphics, then visual versatility is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle-dependent visual effectsVSAvoidink layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the second ink layer is positioned between the first and third ink layers, with each layer containing visual components that nest together to form a cohesive graphic. This nested arrangement allows multiple visual elements to be integrated in a structured manner, managing manufacturing complexity while achieving versatile angle-dependent effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Each ink layer is designed with specific local qualities - the first layer contains certain visual components visible from specific angles, the second layer contains different components, and the third layer contains additional components. This local differentiation allows each layer to serve a specific visual function, making the multi-layer structure more manageable and purposeful rather than uniformly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform flat surface is used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the visual interest and complexity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink application processVSAvoidgraphic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic visual characteristics by creating a multi-layer ink structure where the visible content changes based on the viewing angle. This dynamic effect transforms a static flat surface into an interactive visual experience, maintaining ease of manufacture through systematic layering while significantly enhancing graphic complexity and visual interest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3676444B1Textile substrate with visual components
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP3676444B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3676444B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3676444B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Aspects are directed to a textile substrate with two or more ink layers and methods for printing a textile substrate. The two or more ink layers may include one or more visual components that form graphics or images that are visible to an observer when viewing the textile substrate from different angles.