Multilayer Reflective Optical Element for Dye-Free Structural Color
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for imparting color to articles, such as footwear and apparel, rely on dyes and pigments, which can be environmentally unfriendly and have limitations in terms of durability and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A method using a multilayer reflector or filter with a reflective layer having a minimum percent reflectance of 60% or more, formed by layer-by-layer deposition, to produce structural colors that change with angle of observation and illumination, eliminating the need for dyes or pigments by creating color through optical effects like scattering, refraction, and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dyes and pigments are used to impart color to articles, then coloration is achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates and durability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of color generation from chemical (dyes/pigments absorbing or reflecting specific wavelengths) to physical (micro- or nano-features causing structural color through optical effects). This eliminates the need for harmful chemical substances while achieving durable coloration that doesn't fade or wash out like conventional dyes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical system of dyes and pigments with a physical/optical system based on micro- and nano-structured features. These structural features interact with light through scattering, refraction, reflection, and interference to produce color without requiring any chemical coloring agents, thereby eliminating environmental harm associated with dye chemistry.
2Ease of manufacture
If dyes and pigments are used to impart color to articles, then coloration is achieved, but durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the color generation mechanism from chemical composition (dyes/pigments) to physical structure (micro- and nano-features). This structural approach to coloration is inherently more durable because it doesn't rely on chemical substances that can degrade, fade, or wash out, but rather on stable physical features that maintain their optical properties over time.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional color methods are used, then coloration is achieved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates due to lack of angular color variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the article by introducing micro- and nano-structured features that create structural color. This structural color exhibits angle-dependent variation, where the perceived color changes as the viewing angle changes, providing dynamic aesthetic appeal that conventional static dyes and pigments cannot achieve.
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 provides aesthetically appealing structural colors that are durable and environmentally friendly, as they do not require the use of pigments or dyes, and can be integrated into various components of footwear and apparel, offering a unique visual effect that changes with viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective layer having a minimum percent reflectance of 60 percent or more
Implementation Method 2
structural colors are visible colors produced, at least in part, through optical effects (e.g., through scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and/or diffraction of visible wavelengths of light)
Implementation Method 3
structural colors are visible colors produced, at least in part, through optical effects (e.g., through scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and/or diffraction of visible wavelengths of light)
Implementation Method 4
structural colors are visible colors produced, at least in part, through optical effects (e.g., through scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and/or diffraction of visible wavelengths of light)
Implementation Method 5
structural colors are visible colors produced, at least in part, through optical effects (e.g., through scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and/or diffraction of visible wavelengths of light)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1M
Figure 1N(a)~1N(b)
Figure 1O(a)~1O(b)
AI summary
As described above, one or more aspects of the present disclosure provide articles having structural color, and methods of making articles having structural color. The present disclosure provides for articles that exhibit structural colors through the use of an optical element having one or more reflective layers, where structural colors are visible colors produced, at least in part, through optical effects (e.g., through scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and/or diffraction of visible wavelengths of light).