Substrate Motif Production Through Adhesion-Based Liquid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing motifs on substrates using digital inkjet printing face issues such as loss of sharpness or definition due to abrasion during removal of the resulting product, surface contamination from adhesives, and ineffective removal leading to insufficient motif depth.
Innovation Solution
A method involving transfer of the resulting liquid from applied drops to a transfer surface by adhesion, utilizing intermolecular forces without sliding, and controlled parameters like viscosity and surface tension to maintain motif sharpness, using a transfer surface that synchronizes with substrate transport to prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the resulting product is removed by dragging force (brushing, adhesive rollers), then the product can be removed from the base layer, but the motifs lose sharpness or definition due to abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dragging force (brushing, adhesive rollers) with a jet stream (fluid or gas) to remove the resulting product. This substitution eliminates direct contact and abrasion between the removal tool and the motif surface, thereby preserving sharpness and definition while achieving effective product removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a jet stream (fluid or gas) as an intermediary medium between the removal system and the resulting product. This intermediary carries away the product through fluid dynamics rather than direct mechanical contact, preventing damage to the motif edges and maintaining manufacturing precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive rollers or tapes are used to remove the resulting product, then the product can be removed, but the surface of the base layer becomes contaminated with adhesive traces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive-based mechanical removal systems with a jet stream (fluid or gas) removal system. This substitution eliminates the introduction of adhesive contaminants onto the base layer surface while maintaining effective product removal capabilities through fluid dynamics and pressure control.
3Ease of manufacture
If solvents are used to remove the resulting product, then the product can be removed, but the surface of the base layer deteriorates due to solvent action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solvent-based chemical removal methods with a jet stream (fluid or gas) physical removal method. This substitution eliminates chemical interaction between solvents and the base layer surface, preventing deterioration while achieving effective product removal through mechanical fluid pressure and flow dynamics.
4Manufacturing precision
If insufficient product removal is performed, then the base layer remains intact, but the motif depth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic jet stream system where fluid or gas pressure, flow rate, and direction can be adjusted and optimized. This dynamic control allows sufficient product removal to achieve desired motif depth while maintaining base layer integrity through precise parameter adjustment, resolving the contradiction between removal effectiveness and structural preservation.
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
Enables precise and clean removal of the resulting product, preserving motif sharpness and depth, suitable for various substrate types including thin sheets, without surface contamination.
Implementation Method 1
transfer of the resulting liquid from applied drops to a transfer surface by adhesion, utilizing intermolecular forces
Implementation Method 2
controlled parameters like viscosity and surface tension to maintain motif sharpness
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and system for producing a motif (7) on a substrate (1; 4), the method comprising, successively, providing a base layer (2) at least partially covering the substrate (1; 4), applying a plurality of drops in or on the base layer (2) and transferring at least part of a liquid (3) that comprises said drops or is at least partially determined by them to a transfer surface (S), to remove said liquid (3) from the base layer (2) by adhesion of said liquid (3) to the transfer surface (S) when the transfer surface (S) makes contact with said liquid (3) without sliding on the base layer (2), wherein a previously applied background under the base layer (2) is made visible by removing transfer liquid from the base layer (2) in order to at least partially reveal the motif (7).