Semi-Transparent Coating for Glass Ceramic Cooking Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-transparent coatings for glass and glass ceramic cooking surfaces face challenges in achieving high scratch resistance, temperature resistance, and adhesion to sealing layers while minimizing light scattering and ensuring sufficient opacity to display heating levels, with existing solutions being either expensive or ineffective in maintaining sharp contours.
Innovation Solution
A sol-gel matrix coating with dyes and polyester- or epoxy-functionalized silicone resins, using metal alcoholates like tetraalkoxysilane and alkoxysilanes with specific functionalities, and inorganic nanoparticles for improved adhesion and scratch resistance, along with high-boiling solvents for screen printability and low curing temperatures to prevent dye destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If coloring pigments are used for semi-transparent coating, then light absorption capacity is improved, but light scattering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite coating system combining inorganic sol-gel matrix (providing scratch resistance and temperature stability) with organic dyes (providing light absorption) and polyester-modified silicone resins (providing adhesion). This composite approach allows each component to contribute its strengths while minimizing weaknesses, achieving both high light absorption and low light scattering.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If organically bonded noble metals are used for semi-transparent coating, then light scattering is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive organically bonded noble metals with a cost-effective alternative system based on inorganic sol-gel matrix combined with organic dyes and polyester-modified silicone resins. This substitution maintains the low light scattering property while dramatically reducing raw material costs, making the coating economically viable for mass production.
3Ease of manufacture
If glass ceramic with nubs on underside is used, then manufacturing process is simplified, but display contour sharpness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic nubs from the glass ceramic substrate during manufacturing, creating a smooth underside surface. This extraction of the harmful feature (nubs) eliminates the light scattering caused by surface irregularities, thereby achieving sharp display contours while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through process optimization.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If transparent glass ceramic is used for cooking surface, then light scattering is reduced, but opacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a localized semi-transparent coating only in the display areas of the cooking surface, rather than coating the entire surface. This local application allows the display areas to have reduced opacity for better visibility, while the rest of the cooking surface maintains its inherent opacity and aesthetic properties. The coating is precisely applied to specific zones where light transmission is desired.
5Area of stationary object
If semi-transparent coating is printed on layered composite, then display area coverage is improved, but adhesion compatibility becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polyester-modified silicone resins as an intermediary layer between the inorganic sol-gel matrix and the existing layered composite (coloring layer and sealing layer). This intermediary component provides chemical compatibility and bonding bridges between the inorganic coating and the organic-based layered composite, ensuring strong adhesion across the interface and preventing delamination.
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
The solution provides a durable, scratch-resistant, and temperature-resistant semi-transparent coating with excellent adhesion to the substrate, maintaining sharp display contours and allowing red light transmission without significant scattering, thus enhancing the visibility of cooking surface displays.
Implementation Method 1
The sol-gel matrix is produced in the form of a hydrolyzate. The hydrolyzate is produced by the specific reaction of the monomers with water.
Implementation Method 2
The coating is applied to a partially transparent substrate, namely to a glass or a glass ceramic.
Implementation Method 3
Semitransparent coatings based on coloring pigments are known from the prior art. These coatings have a high light absorption capacity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a substrate consisting of glass or glass ceramic with a semi-transparent coating. To produce a semi-transparent coating on a substrate and having high scratch resistance, temperature resistance and good adhesion on a sealing layer, according to the invention the coating material has at least one sol-gel-based matrix to which pigments are added and a polyester-functionalized and/or an epoxy-functionalized silicone resin, particularly a polyester-modified silicone resin, is added to the sol-gel-based matrix.