Structurally-colored articles and methods for making and using structurally-colored articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for imparting color to man-made objects rely on dyes and pigments, which can be environmentally unfriendly and have limitations in terms of durability and aesthetic appeal, particularly in applications where angle-independent color is desired.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer optical film is integrated into the bladder, which imparts structural color through physical interactions with light, eliminating the need for dyes or pigments and allowing for angle-independent coloration by using a combination of optical layers, textured surfaces, and primer layers to achieve desired hues and iridescence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dyes or pigments are used to impart color, then coloration is achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical coloration methods (dyes and pigments) with a physical/optical method using a multi-layer optical film that creates structural color through interference and diffraction of light. This substitution eliminates the need for harmful chemical substances while achieving durable coloration that does not fade or degrade over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite multi-layer optical film structure consisting of multiple layers with different refractive indices and thicknesses. This composite structure creates structural color through optical interference, providing both environmental friendliness and superior durability compared to traditional dye-based methods.
2Ease of manufacture
If dyes or pigments are used to impart color, then coloration is achieved, but aesthetic appeal and angle-independence deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical coloration with an optical system that produces angle-independent color. The multi-layer optical film is designed with specific layer thicknesses and refractive indices that create constructive interference for specific wavelengths of light regardless of the viewing angle, achieving superior aesthetic appeal and color consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention carefully controls the physical parameters of the optical film layers, including thickness, refractive index, and layer spacing, to achieve angle-independent coloration. By optimizing these parameters, the film produces consistent color appearance across different viewing angles, overcoming the limitations of traditional pigment-based methods.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a multi-layer optical film is used to impart structural color, then environmental friendliness and durability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-film technology to create the multi-layer optical structure. The film is deposited as a continuous, flexible coating that can be applied to various substrates. Despite having multiple layers, the overall structure remains thin and integrated, minimizing added complexity while achieving the desired optical effects and environmental benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite multi-layer optical film where each layer serves a specific function in generating structural color. The composite structure, while complex in composition, is manufactured as an integrated unit through vacuum deposition processes, reducing the practical complexity of implementation compared to applying multiple separate coatings or components.
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 aesthetically pleasing, durable, and environmentally friendly structural color that remains consistent across various angles of observation, enhancing the visual appeal of objects without the use of traditional colorants.
Implementation Method 1
Structural color is caused by the physical interaction of light with the micro- or nano-features of a surface and the bulk material
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.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more aspects of the present disclosure are directed to bladders that incorporate a multi-layer optical film that impart a structural color to the bladder. The present disclosure is also directed to articles including the bladders having a multi-layer optical film, and methods for making articles and bladders having a multi-layer optical film.