Image Embedding in Stone via Ink Absorption and Vacuum Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for impregnating images into stone materials, such as marble and granite, result in superficial and wear-prone images that detract from the natural aesthetic appeal of the stone, as they require coatings that separate or are easily scratched.

Innovation Solution

A method involving printing an image onto a stone substrate using a computer printer, covering it with a moist towel and weight, and allowing time for ink transfer, repeating the process until the image is fully embedded within the stone, which can be polished or textured without damage, using a combination of sanding and negative pressure to enhance penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a coating is applied to the stone surface to hold the image, then the image can be formed on the stone, but the coating covers the stone and detracts from the aesthetic appeal and can separate from the stone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation on stoneVSAvoidaesthetic appeal loss and coating separation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the porous structure of natural stone to allow ink penetration and absorption. The ink is applied directly to the stone surface and absorbs into the pores, eliminating the need for coatings. This resolves the contradiction by forming the image within the stone material itself rather than on a separate coating layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the coating layer entirely from the process. Instead of applying ink to a coating on the stone, the ink is applied directly to the stone surface where it absorbs into the porous material. This extraction of the coating component eliminates both the aesthetic appeal loss and the separation issue while maintaining image formation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If an image is placed on the surface of the stone, then the image can be formed on the stone, but the image is easily scratched

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation on stoneVSAvoidimage durability against scratching

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The porous structure of the stone allows the ink to penetrate and become embedded within the material. The ink absorbs into the pores and becomes part of the stone structure, making it resistant to scratching. This resolves the contradiction by transitioning the image from a surface placement to an integrated component of the stone material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Manufacturing precision

If a coating or matrix is applied to the stone before introducing the image, then the image can be formed, but the natural stone appearance is not presented to the viewer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation on stoneVSAvoidnatural stone appearance loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the coating or matrix layer from the process. The ink is applied directly to the natural stone surface and absorbs into the porous material, allowing the natural stone appearance to remain visible alongside the embedded image. This resolves the contradiction by removing the intermediate layer that was blocking the natural stone appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The porous nature of the stone allows direct ink absorption without requiring a coating or matrix. The ink penetrates the pores and becomes integrated with the stone, maintaining the natural stone appearance while enabling image formation. This approach eliminates the need for intermediate layers that would obscure the natural stone look.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 method creates indelible, aesthetically enhancing images within the stone that are visible from both sides, maintaining the natural appearance and durability of the stone surface, while allowing for further processing without image loss.

Implementation Method 1

A moist towel is placed over the print image and a weight is placed over the moist towel then time is provided for the image to transfer from the print image to the surface of the stone substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A moist towel is placed over the print image and a weight is placed over the moist towel then time is provided for the image to transfer from the print image to the surface of the stone substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

An opposing surface of the stone substrate is evacuated while providing time for the image to transfer from the print image to the surface of the stone substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS7958822B2Method for forming an image in stone

Publication Date: 2011.06.14 SIMS TIMOTHY ANDREW

AI summary

An application for a method of imbedding an image in a stone substrate includes printing an image onto a print image using a computer printer and placing the print image face down on the surface of the stone substrate. A moist towel is placed over the print image and a weight is placed over the moist towel then time is provided for the image to transfer from the print image to the surface of the stone substrate. The moist towel and the print image are then removed and the above steps are repeated until a quality image is imbedded in the stone substrate.