Multi-Layer Revealable Substrates for Color Imaging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing substrates lack the ability to effectively transition between opaque and transparent states to reveal underlying color materials, leading to limitations in color imaging and print head alignment.
Innovation Solution
Multi-layered substrates with opaque polymers sensitive to heat, pressure, light, or laser energy can be induced to transition from opaque to transparent states, revealing underlying color materials, utilizing spherical and non-spherical polymer particles that change shape or collapse to allow light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional printing substrates are used, then printing processes can be completed, but color imaging quality and alignment are limited due to complex processes and materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing polymers that change their optical properties (from opaque to transparent) in response to thermal, photonic, or mechanical stimuli. This allows the substrate to dynamically reveal hidden color layers without requiring complex multi-step printing processes, thereby improving color imaging quality while simplifying the overall printing system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning opaque polymer layers and color layers in a stacked configuration during substrate manufacturing. The color layers are embedded within the substrate structure before use, and the opaque polymers are applied in advance to mask these layers. During printing, energy is applied to locally transition the opaque polymers from opaque to transparent states, revealing the pre-positioned color layers. This eliminates the need for complex real-time color deposition processes
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple opaque layers are used to reveal colors, then color imaging is improved, but the substrate structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the substrate into distinct functional layers: opaque polymer layers that can be locally transitioned, color layers that remain hidden until revealed, and a base substrate. Each layer has a specific function, and the segmentation allows for independent control of each layer's properties. The opaque polymer layers are segmented into regions that can be selectively activated by applying energy at specific locations, enabling precise color reveal and improved print head alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nested doll principle by embedding color layers within the substrate structure, literally nesting them between opaque polymer layers. The color layers are positioned within the substrate matrix, and the opaque polymers are applied as outer layers that mask the nested color layers. This nested configuration allows multiple color layers to be contained within a single substrate structure, improving alignment while managing structural complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If leuco dyes or sensitizers are used for color revelation, then color imaging is achieved, but environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing leuco dyes and sensitizers from the color revelation system. Instead of using these chemical substances, the patent relies on the inherent optical properties of polymers that can transition from opaque to transparent states through physical stimuli. This extraction of harmful chemicals while maintaining the color revelation function significantly improves environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness
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
Enhances color imaging and print head alignment by revealing underlying colors, improving imaging quality and alignment without requiring leuco dyes or sensitizers, compliant with health and environmental regulations.
Implementation Method 1
one or more opaque polymers or polymer materials sensitive to at least one application of at least one selected from heat, pressure, light and/or laser energy
Implementation Method 2
heated at high temperature or to an elevated temperature (i.e., a temperature higher than an ambient temperature or other threshold)
Implementation Method 3
structures of the at least two opaque or opacifying layers at least partially collapse, change, modify and/or transition, thereby causing the at least two opaque or opacifying layers to transmit incident light instead of internally reflecting incident light
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-layered revealable substrates and methods of producing and/or using said substrates are disclosed herein and comprise a first layer of a first opacifying material, a first color material disposed on a first side of the first layer of the first opacifying material, wherein the first layer of the first opacifying material covers the first color material, and a second layer of a second opacifying material disposed on a side of the first color material that is located opposite with respect to the first layer of the first opacifying material. The first opacifying material is configured to, upon application of first predetermined energy, change from the opaque state to a transparent state to reveal the first color material underneath the first opacifying material, and the second opacifying material is configured to, upon application of second different predetermined energy, change from the opaque state to a transparent state.