Plastisol Modeling Compound for Automatic Leather-Like Texture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modeling materials form smooth surfaces without structures, lacking visual and haptic texture, and fail to replicate leather-like effects without additional tools or aids.

Innovation Solution

A modeling material composed of a plastisol binder, plastic fibers as fillers, and optional additives, which upon hardening, forms a structured surface resembling leather.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional modeling materials (polyvinyl chloride with filler and plasticizer) are used, then the material can be deformed and hardened by heating, but the surface becomes smooth and reflects the tool structure without automatic texture formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface structureVSAvoidadditional processing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention incorporates fillers with predetermined surface structures (leather grain, embossing patterns, etc.) into the modeling material before the modeling process. These pre-prepared structured fillers are mixed with the plastisol binder and plasticizer to create a composite material that automatically transfers its structure to the surface during modeling, eliminating the need for subsequent texturing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses structured fillers as intermediary carriers that transfer their pre-formed surface structures to the modeling material during the mixing and modeling process. These fillers act as mediators between the desired surface texture and the final product, allowing structure transfer without requiring specialized texturing tools or additional processing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If fiber materials and cellulose fibers are added to plastisol, then the material becomes suitable for modeling, but it forms smooth surfaces without structures during modeling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface textureVSAvoidfiller content
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention distinguishes between different functional requirements of fillers: bulk fillers (cellulose fibers, inorganic powders) provide structural integrity and deformability, while surface fillers (structured particles with embossing patterns, leather grain textures) provide surface texture. By assigning different qualities to different filler components, the material achieves both workability and automatic surface structuring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite modeling material combining multiple filler types with distinct functions: cellulose fibers and inorganic fillers for bulk properties, plus specially structured surface fillers for texture formation. This multi-component composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of deformability, structural integrity, and automatic surface texturing without excessive filler content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Shape

If additional tools and aids are used to create surface structures, then leather-like effects can be reproduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleather-like surface structureVSAvoidmodeling tools and aids
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables the modeling material to self-structure during the modeling process itself. The structured fillers embedded in the material automatically transfer their surface patterns to the workpiece as it is being shaped and manipulated, without requiring separate texturing tools, embossing devices, or post-processing equipment. The material serves its own texturing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the modeling function and surface texturing function into a single integrated process. By incorporating pre-structured fillers into the material matrix, the act of modeling simultaneously achieves both shaping and surface texturing, combining what were previously separate operations into one unified process that eliminates the need for specialized texturing tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 material automatically creates a visually and haptically textured surface, replicating leather-like characteristics without additional processing steps, offering high flexibility and stability.

Implementation Method 1

The binder used consists essentially of plastisol. This plastisol is essentially composed of PVC and plasticizer... which upon hardening, forms a structured surface resembling leather

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

the addition of branched plastic fibers as fillers in modeling material mixtures before the hardening process forms a structured surface design that can be perceived visually and/or haptically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructure transfer: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12404396B2Modeling compound and use thereof and articles produced thereby
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 STAEDTLER SE

AI summary

A modeling compound having at least one binder including plastisol and at least one filler and optionally other substances. The plastisol is composed essentially of PVC and plasticizers, wherein the at least one filler is in the form of plastic fibers.