Infusion Dye Pad Marking for Wear-Resistant Polymer Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for applying markings to articles, such as sublimation printing and infusion dyeing, are unsuitable for post-manufacture customization due to the need for extensive equipment and conditions that are beyond the capabilities of end users, particularly for low-volume customization of items like golf balls.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using an infusion dyeing kit with a dye pad shaped to correspond to desired markings, where an activation solution is applied to penetrate the dye into the article's surface under room temperature and pressure, allowing for customizable and durable markings without requiring specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sublimation printing or infusion dyeing processes are used, then durable markings are achieved, but extensive equipment and specialized manufacturing conditions are required that are beyond end user capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable dye pads that are discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex reusable equipment. Each pad contains pre-measured dye and applicator materials that are thrown away after application, simplifying the system to something any end user can handle without specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential marking function from complex industrial equipment and concentrates it into a simple disposable pad that can be applied by hand. The complicated infusion dyeing machinery is removed entirely, leaving only the dye transfer function in a user-friendly format
2Ease of operation
If markings are applied as a layer on top of the ball surface using conventional methods, then the markings can be applied easily, but the markings are susceptible to wear during use and wear faster than the outer ball surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dye locally to specific areas of the ball surface through targeted pad placement, allowing markings to be embedded in the surface material itself rather than coating the entire surface. This localized infusion creates wear-resistant markings that integrate with the ball surface structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of the ball surface material to allow dye penetration. The infusion process exploits the microscopic pores in the ball surface to draw dye into the material, creating markings that are embedded within the surface rather than sitting on top
3Reliability
If sublimation ink processes or conventional infusion dyeing are used for post-manufacture marking, then durable markings are achieved, but the processes require conditions and equipment beyond end user capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex infusion dyeing process into a simple disposable pad application that any end user can perform. The pad contains all necessary materials (dye, solvent, applicator) in a single-use format that requires no specialized equipment or manufacturing knowledge
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable pad is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, allowing end users to perform the marking process themselves without needing access to industrial equipment or specialized manufacturing facilities. The pad does the work automatically through simple contact with the ball surface
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
Enables consumers to personalize articles like golf balls with markings that wear at the same rate as the surface, providing a durable and customizable solution for low-volume post-manufacture marking applications.
Implementation Method 1
allow the infusion dye mixture to open a polymeric structure of a material of the outer surface and to allow the infusion dye to penetrate the outer surface
Implementation Method 2
allow the infusion dye to penetrate the outer surface and form the desired marking within a substrate of the article
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Systems and methods for applying markings to an article are disclosed. One aspect comprises providing a dye pad shaped to correspond to a desired marking; applying an infusion dye to the dye pad; applying an activation solution to the infusion dye, thereby forming an infusion dye mixture; placing the dye pad in contact with a discrete area of an outer surface of the article; leaving the dye pad in contact with the outer surface of the article under room temperature and pressure, for a duration sufficient to allow the infusion dye mixture to open a polymeric structure of a material of the outer surface and to allow the infusion dye to penetrate the outer surface and form the desired marking within a substrate of the article; and removing the dye pad from the outer surface. An infusion dyeing kit and method for supplying a kit are also disclosed.