Structural Color Through Optical Elements to Replace Dyes and Pigments

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for imparting color to materials rely on dyes and pigments, which can be environmentally unfriendly and have limitations in terms of durability and aesthetic appeal, particularly in creating iridescent effects.

Innovation Solution

The use of optical elements disposed on a cured material, which produce structural color through optical effects like scattering, refraction, reflection, and interference, eliminating the need for dyes or pigments and allowing for iridescent hues that change with viewing angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If dyes or pigments are used to impart color to materials, then coloration is achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates and aesthetic appeal (particularly iridescence) is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoloration capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical coloration methods (dyes and pigments) with physical optical effects. Optical elements with micro- or nano-structures are applied to the material surface, utilizing light scattering, refraction, reflection, and interference to produce structural color. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical substances that harm the environment while achieving superior aesthetic effects including iridescence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of color production from chemical composition (dyes/pigments) to physical structure (optical elements). By controlling the micro- and nano-structural parameters of the optical elements, the patent achieves coloration through optical interference effects, thereby eliminating environmental harm associated with chemical colorants while enabling iridescent effects that vary with viewing angle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If dyes or pigments are used to impart color to materials, then coloration is achieved, but aesthetic appeal (particularly iridescence) is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoloration capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appeal and iridescence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical coloration with physical optical effects. Optical elements containing micro- or nano-structures are applied to the material surface, utilizing light scattering, refraction, reflection, and interference to produce structural color. This substitution enables iridescent effects that change with viewing angle, significantly enhancing aesthetic appeal beyond what dyes or pigments can achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a dimensional aspect to coloration by incorporating optical elements with micro- and nano-structures that interact with light in three-dimensional space. This creates iridescent effects where color varies with viewing angle, adding a dynamic spatial dimension to the aesthetic appearance that cannot be achieved with conventional two-dimensional dye or pigment application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional coloring methods are used, then coloration is achieved, but durability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoloration processVSAvoidcolor durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical coloration (dyes and pigments that can fade or degrade) with physical optical structures. The optical elements with micro- and nano-structures are applied to the material surface and utilize light scattering, refraction, reflection, and interference to produce structural color. This physical approach inherently improves durability as the color effect is determined by the stable optical structure rather than chemical substances that can deteriorate over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach provides aesthetically appealing, environmentally friendly structural color that is durable and can exhibit iridescence, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional coloring methods while maintaining visual interest across different angles.