Structural Color Optical Unit for Dye-Free Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for imparting color to objects rely on dyes or pigments, which can be environmentally unfriendly and lack versatility in creating aesthetically pleasing, unique structural colors.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical unit comprising a first base unit and one or more second units positioned on a substrate, which imparts structural colors through optical effects like scattering, refraction, reflection, and diffraction, allowing for the creation of diverse and iridescent colors without the need for pigments or dyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dyes or pigments are used to impart color to objects, then coloration can be achieved, but environmental harm and limited color versatility occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical coloration systems (dyes and pigments) with a physical/optical system consisting of nanoscale structural features. These structures interact with light through scattering, absorption, and interference to produce structural colors, eliminating the need for harmful chemical substances while providing diverse color outcomes through geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves color variation by changing physical parameters of the nanostructures, specifically the size, shape, spacing, and arrangement of the structural features. By adjusting these geometric parameters, different wavelengths of light are interacted with to produce different perceived colors, providing versatility without chemical additives
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional dyeing methods are used, then color application is simple, but environmental friendliness and color uniqueness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes conventional chemical dyeing processes with a physical nanostructuring approach. The color is imparted through the fabrication of nanoscale features that optically interact with light, replacing chemical absorption and reflection mechanisms with physical structural effects, thereby eliminating environmental harm while maintaining manufacturability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single-layer optical structure is used, then device complexity is low, but color diversity and aesthetic appeal are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical unit is segmented into multiple distinct layers, each with specific nanoscale structural features. The first layer contains a particular arrangement of light-interacting structures, while the second layer contains different structures. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute different optical effects, combining to produce enhanced color diversity and aesthetic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite optical structure where multiple layers with different nanoscale architectures are combined. Each layer functions as a distinct optical component with specific light-interaction characteristics, and their combination creates synergistic optical effects that produce diverse structural colors and enhanced aesthetic appeal
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 enables the production of aesthetically pleasing, unique structural colors that are environmentally friendly and can be applied to various articles, such as footwear and apparel, providing a durable and sustainable color solution.
Implementation Method 1
the first base unit and each of the second units independently include one or more layers that impart the first structural color and the second structural color, respectively, when exposed to visible light
Implementation Method 2
Color from dyes and pigments can be problematic in a number of ways. For example, dyes and pigments and their associated chemistries for fabrication and incorporation into finished goods may not be environmentally friendly
Implementation Method 3
the optical unit imparts a first structural color and a second structural to the article, where each structural color (e.g., single color, multicolor, iridescent) is visible color produced, at least in part, through optical effects
Implementation Method 4
the first base unit and each of the second units independently include one or more layers that impart the first structural color and the second structural color, respectively
Implementation Method 5
each structural color (e.g., single color, multicolor, iridescent) is visible color produced, at least in part, through optical effects (e.g., through scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and/or diffraction of visible wavelengths of light)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1M
Figure 1N(a)~1N(b)
Figure 1O(a)~1O(b)
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for articles having structural color and methods of making articles having structural color. In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for articles that exhibit structural colors through the use of an optical unit. The optical unit, which is composed of at least two units, is disposed on a substrate (e.g., the surface of the article) and when exposed to visible light, the optical unit imparts a first structural color and a second structural to the article, where each structural color is visible color produced, at least in part, through optical effects.