Salt-Based Color Adjustment of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Substrate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional writing instruments require frequent switching between different colorants to produce varying colors, which can be cumbersome, and typically produce dull colors that lack iridescence, unlike natural structural coloration observed in materials like peacock feathers.

Innovation Solution

A writing system comprising a writing instrument with a solution of salts and a cholesteric liquid-crystal-based drawing substrate that changes color based on salt and water concentration, utilizing cholesteric liquid crystals and a concentration adjustment mechanism to create a range of colors without the need for multiple colorants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional writing instruments use multiple pigments or dyes to produce varying colors, then color variety is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to frequent switching between instruments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor varietyVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single writing instrument is designed to perform multiple color functions by containing a universal colorant (e.g., yellow pigment) that can produce different colors when combined with various transparent colored gels or liquids, eliminating the need for multiple separate writing instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Transparent colored gels or liquids act as intermediaries between the universal colorant in the writing instrument and the final diverse colors produced, allowing color variation without changing the writing instrument itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If conventional writing instruments use pigments or dyes to produce colors, then color production is achieved, but color quality deteriorates by producing dull colors lacking iridescence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor vibrancyVSAvoidcolor quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the colorants by using transparent colored gels with specific rheological properties and iridescent materials, transforming ordinary dull colors into vibrant, iridescent colors that mimic natural structural coloration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials combining transparent colored gels with iridescent materials or structural coloration elements, creating a composite colorant system that produces vibrant, multi-dimensional colors rather than simple flat pigments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If a single writing instrument uses a universal colorant to produce multiple colors, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to the complexity of color mixing and control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidcolor consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms that allow users to adjust color properties in real-time, such as varying the amount of transparent gel added or changing the concentration of colorants, enabling precise color control during operation rather than relying on fixed pre-mixed colors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 dynamic color adjustment with a single writing instrument, producing iridescent effects by altering the cholesteric liquid crystal's photonic band-gap through salt and water content, mimicking natural structural coloration and enhancing color variety and vibrancy.

Implementation Method 1

the drawing substrate comprises cholesteric liquid-crystals... configured to change color based on the concentration of the one or more salts and/or water content

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCholesteric liquid crystal phase transition: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

producing iridescent effects by altering the cholesteric liquid crystal's photonic band-gap through salt and water content

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotonic band-gap modulation: Photonic Crystal

Implementation Method 3

Structural coloration occurs when microscopically structured surfaces interfere with visible light... the drawing substrate is configured to change color... producing iridescent effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructural coloration: Iridescence

Implementation Method 4

the writing instrument comprises a solution of one or more salts... change color based on the concentration of the one or more salts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon-lipid interaction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS12197059B2System with salt-based color adjustment of substrate

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 BIC VIOLEX SINGLE MEMBER SA

AI summary

In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a writing instrument, wherein the writing instrument comprises a solution of one or more salts and a writing orifice. Furthermore, the system comprises a drawing substrate configured to change color based on the concentration of the one or more salts and/or water content, wherein the drawing substrate comprises cholesteric liquid-crystals.