Sublimation Transfer Sheet for Image Decolorization Without Surface Unevenness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal transfer methods struggle to produce printed materials with images that can discolor or decolorize while maintaining a good design and avoiding surface unevenness.
Innovation Solution
A thermal transfer sheet with a sublimation transfer discoloration- or decolorization-imparting layer containing a compound responsible for discoloration or decolorization, combined with a transfer-receiving article, where a general image and a sublimation transfer discoloration- or decolorization-imparting image are formed in contact, and irradiated with a light beam to achieve discoloration or decolorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional thermal transfer methods are used to form images on transfer-receiving articles, then images can be produced, but the images cannot discolor or decolorize and surface unevenness occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal transfer sheet is divided into distinct functional layers: a coloring material layer for forming the general image, and a sublimation transfer discoloration- or decolorization-imparting layer for creating discolored or decolorized portions. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, enabling image discoloration capability while maintaining surface quality through controlled sublimation transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermal transfer methods are used to produce printed materials, then images can be formed, but the materials lack various functions and characteristics demanded by expanded applications
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal transfer sheet is designed with multi-functionality: the coloring material layer forms visible images, while the sublimation transfer discoloration- or decolorization-imparting layer provides dynamic discoloration/decolorization capabilities. This universal design allows a single thermal transfer sheet to produce printed materials with multiple functions (visual information + dynamic response to light/heat), meeting diverse application requirements without requiring separate complex systems.
3Shape
If conventional thermal transfer methods are used, then printed materials can be produced, but they do not have good planar design and surface quality
Solution Approach 1:
The sublimation transfer discoloration- or decolorization-imparting layer utilizes phase transition (sublimation) to transfer discoloration components to the transfer-receiving article. This phase change mechanism allows for controlled, uniform distribution of discoloration agents, creating smooth surface quality and good planar design while enabling the desired image discoloration capability. The sublimation process ensures even transfer without surface roughness.
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 method allows for the production of thermal transfer printed materials that can discolor or decolorize images while maintaining a good design and suppressing surface unevenness.
Implementation Method 1
a sublimation transfer discoloration- or decolorization-imparting layer disposed on one surface side of the substrate, in which the sublimation transfer discoloration- or decolorization-imparting layer contains at least a compound responsible for discoloration or decolorization
Implementation Method 2
a light irradiation step of performing irradiation with a light beam having a predetermined intensity for a predetermined period of time from a side of the thermal transfer printed material adjacent to the general image and the sublimation transfer discoloration- or decolorization-imparting image to discolor or decolorize the general image
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal transfer sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate and a sublimation transfer discoloration- or decolorization-imparting layer disposed on one surface side of the substrate, in which the sublimation transfer discoloration- or decolorization-imparting layer contains at least a compound responsible for discoloration or decolorization and a binder resin.