Transfer Film Coating for Image Replication on Uneven Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image transfer methods are limited by the need for specialized printers, inks, and adhesives, and are not suitable for transferring images onto large, uneven, or metallic surfaces without damaging them, and they require complex processes and specific setups.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a substrate coated with a release agent, polyvinyl acetate, and a mixture of acrylamide and styrene acetate, allowing for the transfer of impressions onto any surface without the need for printers or heating, using a simple and cost-effective process that includes applying a release agent, drying, and then adhering the coated film with water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional image transfer methods are used, then images can be transferred to surfaces, but the process requires specialized printers, inks, and adhesives, and is not suitable for large or uneven surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface compatibilityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the requirement for specialized printers, inks, and heating equipment from the transfer process. By using a self-adhering coating system that works with conventional printing methods, the complex specialized equipment is removed while maintaining transfer capability across diverse surfaces including metallic and uneven ones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coating composition comprising polyvinyl acetate, acrylamide, and styrene acetate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the adhesive medium and the transfer layer itself, eliminating the need for separate adhesive applications. This universal coating system works across various surface types and printing methods, providing multi-functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If excessive adhesive coating is applied, then the painting transfers to the surface, but the surface is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer effectivenessVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the adhesive system by using a specific composition ratio of polyvinyl acetate (50-65%), acrylamide (23-32%), and styrene acetate (12-18%). This optimized parameter combination provides sufficient adhesion for reliable transfer while controlling the adhesive strength to prevent surface damage, resolving the contradiction between transfer effectiveness and surface protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional transfer methods are used, then images can be transferred, but the process requires heating and specialized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the thermal field (heating process) with a chemical field approach. The self-adhering coating system uses chemical bonding properties of the polymer composition to achieve transfer without requiring external heating equipment, thereby reducing energy consumption and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If specialized printers and inks are used, then image transfer quality is maintained, but the cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The self-adhering coating acts as an intermediary layer between conventional printed images and the target surface. This intermediate coating system enables standard printers and inks to achieve high-quality transfers on diverse surfaces without requiring specialized printing equipment, thus maintaining image quality while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the transfer of impressions onto various surfaces, including metallic and uneven ones, without damage, and allows for flexible application of any size, maintaining quality and being easy to use and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

Applying a release agent upon a side of the substrate and drying the same

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRelease agent effect: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

Applying water on the said coating/film bearing the said impression adhered to the said surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS10300736B2Method and device of transferring an impression from a substrate to a surface

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 M S CAN IMAGE MEDIA TECH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device and method for transferring an impression from a substrate to a surface comprising a surface coated with first layer of release agent; either a second layer of polyvinyl acetate; and a third layer of mixture of acrylamide and styrene acetate or a single layer of mixture of polyvinyl acetate, acrylamide and styrene acetate; and having the impression to be transferred thereon, and a method of making the aforesaid device and transferring an impression from a substrate to a surface.