Thread Re-Coloring Ink Formula Calculation for Digital Dyeing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile dyeing methods are inefficient in re-coloring previously dyed threads, leading to excess material disposal and increased costs due to the need for transporting and storing unused threads, as they cannot easily be repurposed to new colors without significant re-dyeing processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining ink formulas to re-color threads from a base color to a target color, involving calculations of white-to-target and white-to-base ink formulas to derive a base-to-target ink formula, which allows for the repurposing of colored threads within a digital dyeing system, extending the color gamut of the dyeing machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional bulk dyeing methods are used to re-dye threads, then complete color transformation is achieved, but transportation and storage costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dyeing process into digital inkjet application rather than bulk immersion, allowing individual thread treatment at the point of use. This eliminates the need to transport bulk threads to centralized dyeing plants and back, resolving the transportation and storage time loss while preventing thread waste through precise color application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital inkjet printing technology as an intermediary between the design stage and final thread production. This intermediary process enables direct color application on threads without traditional bulk dyeing infrastructure, eliminating transportation needs and reducing both time loss and material waste.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more inks are added to digital dyeing systems, then color gamut is enlarged, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of ink composition dynamically through software control rather than physically adding more ink cartridges. By adjusting the proportions and combinations of a limited set of inks digitally, the system achieves expanded color gamut without increasing physical device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite colors through digital mixing of base inks, where combinations of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks produce a wide range of colors. This composite approach achieves high color versatility without requiring each color to be a separate physical ink cartridge.
3Ease of manufacture
If colored threads are disposed in landfills instead of re-dyed, then processing costs are reduced, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful waste thread into a valuable resource by enabling on-site re-coloring. Threads that would otherwise be discarded are instead re-purposed with new colors, transforming environmental harm into economic and ecological benefit through digital inkjet re-dyeing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a recovery system where threads are not discarded but recovered and re-purposed. The digital inkjet system allows threads to be recovered from their previous color state and transformed into new color products, eliminating landfill disposal and associated environmental harm.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods are provided for repurposing a colored thread, including determining a base-to-target ink formula that specifies proportions of one or more inks to apply in re-coloring the colored thread from a base color to a target color.