Seal-Type Thermal Transfer Sheet Designability

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a seal-type thermal transfer image-receiving sheet that offers novel designability, particularly in enhancing the see-through effect while maintaining high image quality and conveyance efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A seal-type thermal transfer image-receiving sheet with a integrated release and seal section, where the seal section has a layered structure of a pressure-adhesive layer and a receiving layer capable of receiving sublimable dyes, and includes another layer with a colorant, ensuring a reflection density of 15% to 40% of the reference plate's reflection density, and a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.24 or more between the release section's surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a seal-type thermal transfer image-receiving sheet uses a conventional structure with a substrate, receiving layer, and adhesive layer, then it can achieve basic sealing and imaging functions, but it lacks novel designability and see-through effect

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedesignabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet is divided into a release section and a seal section that can be peeled apart. The seal section itself is segmented into multiple functional layers including a base layer, receiving layer, and adhesive layer. This segmentation allows the seal section to be separated from the release section after application, enabling novel design possibilities and see-through effects while maintaining functional simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a new dimensional aspect by creating a peelable seal section that can be separated from the release section. This adds a temporal dimension to the otherwise static sheet structure, allowing the seal to be applied and then removed, creating dynamic design possibilities and see-through effects that were not achievable with conventional single-structure sheets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the seal section has high adhesive strength to ensure proper sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but image quality may deteriorate due to potential damage during peeling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the seal section have different adhesive properties. The adhesive layer is formulated to provide strong bonding to the substrate for reliable sealing, while the interface between the seal section and release section is designed with controlled adhesion that allows clean peeling. This local differentiation of adhesive quality ensures both sealing reliability and image protection during the peeling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The release section serves as a protective cushion that prevents direct contact and potential damage between the adhesive layer and external surfaces during application and peeling. This pre-positioned protective element ensures that the image-bearing receiving layer remains protected throughout the sealing process, maintaining image quality while allowing strong adhesion where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the release section has low friction to enable easy peeling of the seal section, then ease of operation is improved, but conveyance efficiency may worsen due to slipping during handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeeling easeVSAvoidconveyance efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The release section exhibits spatially varying friction characteristics. The surface in contact with the seal section has low friction to enable easy peeling and application, while the edges and handling surfaces maintain higher friction to prevent slipping during conveyance. This local differentiation of friction properties simultaneously improves peeling ease and maintains conveyance efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The friction properties of the release section are designed to be dynamic rather than static. The low-friction surface activates specifically during the peeling motion, while during stationary handling and conveyance, the inherent structural rigidity and edge geometry provide sufficient grip. This dynamic behavior allows the same surface to serve dual functions of easy peeling and stable conveyance.

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

This design imparts novel designability by enhancing the see-through effect and preventing image wrinkles during conveyance, ensuring high-quality image formation and efficient thermal transfer.

Implementation Method 1

sublimation type thermal transfer method has been widely used to form a thermal transfer image on a transfer receiving article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSublimation: Sublimation

Implementation Method 2

a pressure-adhesive layer and a receiving layer capable of receiving a sublimable dye are layered in the order mentioned from the side of the release section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3603988B1Seal-type thermal transfer image-receiving sheet
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD
  • EP3603988B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3603988B1 patent drawingFigure 4(A)~4(C)

AI summary

Provided is a seal-type thermal transfer image-receiving sheet capable of providing a seal section having novel designability. A seal-type thermal transfer image-receiving sheet 100 includes a release section 10 and a seal section 50 integrated. The seal section 50 is provided peelably from the release section. The seal section 50 has a layered structure in which a pressure-adhesive layer 51 and a receiving layer 55 capable of receiving a sublimable dye are layered in the order mentioned from the side of the release section 10. When the seal section 50 is peeled off from the release section 10, a reference plate 60 and the seal section 50 peeled off are superposed together, and a reflection density of the reference plate is measured from the side of the seal section 50, the value of the reflection density is 15% or more, on the presupposition that the reflection density of the reference plate 60 before the superposition with the seal section 50 is set to 100%.