Resin Ink Composition Using Susceptor Heating for Low-Heat Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing resin-containing ink compositions require high-temperature oven environments or open flames for application, which can damage substrates and necessitate pollution control devices to manage solvent emissions, and lack compatibility with various substrates.

Innovation Solution

Ink compositions utilizing electromagnetic susceptor particles that heat upon exposure to electromagnetic energy, allowing localized melting or curing of thermoplastic or thermosetting resin particles without high-temperature exposure, and customizable vehicles tailored to specific substrates and printing methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If high-temperature oven environments or open flames are used for resin application, then resin melting and consolidation are achieved, but substrate damage occurs and pollution control devices are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing temperatureVSAvoidsubstrate damage and pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electromagnetic susceptor particles as an intermediary substance within the ink composition. These particles absorb electromagnetic energy and convert it to heat locally, enabling resin melting without exposing the entire substrate to high temperatures. This mediator allows selective heating only where needed, avoiding substrate damage and reducing pollution from high-temperature processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional thermal conduction heating system (ovens and flames) with an electromagnetic heating system. By using electromagnetic energy to directly heat susceptor particles within the ink, the system eliminates the need for high-temperature environmental heating, thereby preventing substrate damage and reducing the need for pollution control infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ink compositions are used, then printing on substrates is possible, but compatibility with various substrates is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate compatibilityVSAvoidadhesion quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal ink composition system that can adapt to multiple substrate types through the use of electromagnetic susceptor particles. The susceptor-containing ink can be heated effectively on various substrates (metal, plastic, glass) without requiring substrate-specific formulation changes, achieving both broad compatibility and reliable adhesion across diverse materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables control of heating parameters through electromagnetic energy absorption characteristics of the susceptor particles. By adjusting electromagnetic energy frequency, power, and exposure time, the system can optimize heating conditions for different substrate types while maintaining consistent ink performance and adhesion quality across various materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electromagnetic susceptor particles are used for localized heating, then substrate exposure to harsh conditions is avoided, but additional components are required in the ink composition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate exposure to harsh conditionsVSAvoidink composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating function directly into the ink composition by incorporating electromagnetic susceptor particles within the ink itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate heating apparatus and simplifies the overall system, as the ink becomes self-heating through electromagnetic energy absorption, reducing equipment complexity while protecting substrates from harsh conditions

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

Enables substrate printing with high structural integrity and aesthetic appeal without exposing substrates to harsh conditions, promoting compatibility and flexibility across diverse materials.

Implementation Method 1

Particular compositions utilize electromagnetic susceptor particles that, upon being subjected to electromagnetic energy of the appropriate wavelength (e.g., radiofrequency (RF) energy or microwave energy), heat these particles to cause localized heating within the composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy absorption and conversion to heat: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

This can, in turn, result in melting and consolidation of resin particles of the composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

the resin particles may be cured by subjecting the composition (or areas of the substrate where the composition has been applied) to heat and/or actinic radiation that initiates a cross-linking reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 4

to provide a resin-printed substrate such as a container (e.g., plastic cooler), having the consolidated resin, for example in the form of lettering or a decoration, affixed with a high degree of structural integrity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS12497531B2Thermoplastic and thermosetting resin-containing ink compositions and methods for their application
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 YETI COOLERS LLC

AI summary

Ink compositions are disclosed that can be applied to, and resin components thereof adhered onto, a variety of substrates. Particular compositions utilize electromagnetic susceptor particles that, upon being subjected to electromagnetic energy of the appropriate wavelength (e.g., radiofrequency (RF) energy or microwave energy), heat thermoplastic resin particles of the composition cause localized heating. This can, in turn, result in melting and consolidation of thermoplastic resin particles onto a substrate. Direct heating may also be used to cause consolidation. Other compositions, comprising thermosetting resin particles, can be cured onto a substrate by exposure to actinic radiation, heat, moisture, or a combination of these. The ink compositions can be applied according to a variety of possible methods, including inkjet printing, intaglio printing, silk screen printing, stencil printing, painting, etc. Further flexibility resides in the possible use of a transfer medium (e.g., transfer film) onto which the ink composition is printed, for indirect application to the substrate.