Polymeric component with injected, embedded ink and method for manufacturing same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for embedding graphical images in polymeric components, such as those used in footwear and sports equipment, often result in images that are not durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of their intended use, as they are typically applied to the surface rather than being embedded within the material.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the injection of ink into a polymeric component through a needle at a predetermined depth, with the needle piercing a predetermined pattern to embed the ink within the layers of the component, ensuring the image is resistant to scuffing and wear by being contained within the material rather than on its surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If graphical images are applied to the surface of polymeric components by printing or adhering, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the durability and resistance to wear of the graphical image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The needle pierces the polymeric component at a predetermined depth before ink injection, creating a pathway that stops within the material. This preliminary action ensures the ink will be deposited internally rather than on the surface, preventing wear and scuffing while maintaining a controlled manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The needle acts as an intermediary tool that delivers ink to a specific depth within the polymeric component. By controlling the needle insertion depth to be less than the full thickness, the system mediates between surface application (simple but不耐磨) and deep embedding (durable but complex), achieving optimal balance
2Reliability
If the needle penetrates entirely through the polymeric component, then ink injection is simple and complete, but the ink is not properly embedded within the layers and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The needle insertion depth is controlled to be local rather than through-the-thickness. By limiting penetration to a predetermined depth that is less than the full component thickness, the ink is deposited in the specific region where embedding is needed, without unnecessary through-piercing that would compromise durability
Solution Approach 2:
The predetermined needle insertion depth is established before injection begins. This preliminary depth control ensures the needle stops at the optimal position within the polymeric layers, allowing complete ink deposition at the correct location without requiring complex real-time adjustment during injection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
An article, such as an article of footwear (12), includes a polymeric component (10) that has a first surface, a second surface, and a thickness between the first surface and the second surface. The article has ink (34) injected into the polymeric component through the first surface at a predetermined depth less than the thickness such that the ink is embedded in the polymeric component at least partially between the first surface and the second surface. The polymeric component includes multiple layers. The ink is embedded in at least one of the layers. A method for manufacturing an article includes injecting ink into the polymeric component through the first surface and at a predetermined depth less than the thickness so that the ink is embedded in at least one of the layers and is at least partially between the first surface and the second surface.