Image-wise Tactile Control via Inkjet and Particle Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative member manufacturing technologies struggle to adjust tactile sensations such as friction, unevenness, and bendability image-wise, leading to uncertain final textures and increased costs due to the need for multiple ink preparations in analog printing.
Innovation Solution
A decorative member manufacturing apparatus and method that control the jetting and scattering of fluid and fine particles based on set conditions for each portion of the decorative layer, allowing for precise adjustment of tactile sensations through controlled amounts and types of clear ink and fine particles, and their distribution across the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If analog printing is used to control tactile sensation by preparing multiple inks with fine particles, then tactile sensation can be adjusted, but manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the tactile sensation control function from the ink material itself by introducing a distinct fine particle scattering step. Instead of preparing multiple specialized inks, the system segments the process into: (1) applying base ink containing tactile control data, (2) scattering fine particles according to the data, and (3) curing. This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple ink preparations while achieving tactile sensation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fine particles as an intermediary element that mediates between the digital control data and the final tactile sensation. The fine particles are scattered in amounts corresponding to the tactile control data embedded in the image data, serving as a bridge that translates digital information into physical tactile properties without requiring specialized inks for each tactile effect.
2Manufacturing precision
If analog printing is used to control tactile sensation by preparing multiple inks with fine particles, then tactile sensation can be adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tactile control function into a separate scattering process rather than embedding it in the ink preparation. The inkjet apparatus applies base ink, then a separate mechanism scatters fine particles based on tactile control data extracted from image data. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by avoiding the complexity of preparing and managing multiple specialized inks with different fine particle compositions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical complexity of preparing multiple specialized inks with a digital control system. Tactile control data is embedded in the image data, processed by a control unit, and used to guide the fine particle scattering process. This substitution of mechanical ink preparation with digital control and automated scattering reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise tactile sensation control.
3Manufacturing precision
If clear ink amount is increased to enhance tactile sensation, then tactile sensation is improved, but uniformity of decorative layer decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by scattering fine particles in amounts that correspond to tactile control data for each specific region. Instead of uniformly increasing clear ink amount across the entire decorative layer, the system locally adjusts fine particle scattering density based on the tactile sensation requirements of each area. This allows enhanced tactile sensation where needed while maintaining uniformity in areas where it is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of fine particle amount rather than clear ink amount to control tactile sensation. By adjusting the scattering amount of fine particles according to tactile control data, the system achieves tactile sensation enhancement without altering the clear ink distribution. This parameter change maintains the uniformity of the decorative layer while achieving the desired tactile effects in specific regions.
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 image-wise adjustment of tactile sensations in each portion of the decorative layer, ensuring desired tactile experiences while reducing the need for multiple ink preparations and lowering manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a jetting part that jets the clear ink toward the respective portions on the surface of the base material
Implementation Method 2
a semi-curing part that semi-cures the clear ink which has landed on the respective portions on the surface of the base material by irradiating the clear ink with light
Implementation Method 3
a scattering part that scatters fine particles toward the semi-cured clear ink which has landed on the respective portions on the surface of the base material
Implementation Method 4
a main curing part that irradiates the clear ink with light to main-cure the clear ink
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a decorative member manufacturing apparatus and a method for manufacturing a decorative member, which are capable of adjusting the tactile sensation in each portion of a decorative layer image-wise so as to obtain a desired tactile sensation. In a case of manufacturing a decorative member having a decorative layer formed on a surface of a base material, by a jetting part, a fluid cured by receiving light is jetted toward respective portions of the surface of the base material to form the decorative layer; by a scattering part, fine particles are scattered to the fluid which has landed on the respective portions; and by a control part, the jetting part and the scattering part are controlled, in which the control part controls at least one of the jetting part or the scattering part depending on a control condition set in association with the respective portions according to a setting content regarding tactile sensation of the decorative member.