Transfer Sheet Uneven Profile Release Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transfer sheets used in injection molding struggle to create a matte finish that is visibly uneven from various angles, as the matting layer is compressed differently than the flat portion during molding.

Innovation Solution

A transfer sheet with a release layer comprising an uneven portion and a flat portion, where the uneven portion has protrusions that contact the transfer layer, allowing for an uneven profile that is readily visible from multiple angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a matting layer is provided between a flat portion and the substrate to create a matte finish, then the matte feeling is achieved, but the uneven profile becomes difficult to see when observed from directions nearly horizontal with respect to the surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematte finishVSAvoidvisibility of uneven profile
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The release layer is designed with different surface characteristics in different regions: the uneven portion has protrusions that contact the transfer layer to create visible unevenness, while the flat portion has a smooth surface. This local differentiation allows the matte finish to be achieved in specific areas without compromising the visibility of the uneven profile from horizontal angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat matting surface to a three-dimensional structure with protrusions in the uneven portion. By adding vertical dimensionality through the protrusions that contact the transfer layer, the uneven profile becomes visible from multiple angles including horizontal directions, while still maintaining the matte finish function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the matting layer is harder than the flat portion, then the uneven profile is formed on the transfer layer, but the flat portion is largely compressed by heat and pressure during molding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuneven profile formationVSAvoidcompression of flat portion
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The release layer has different hardness characteristics in different regions: the uneven portion is harder to maintain profile during molding, while the flat portion is softer to allow compression. This local property differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to exhibit the desired mechanical behavior during the molding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a transfer sheet is used with multiple layers including protective layer, design layer, and adhesive layer, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but it becomes more difficult to design the resin composition for forming the protective layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive functionalityVSAvoidresin composition design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decorative sheet is segmented into functionally distinct layers: the release layer with uneven and flat portions for surface characterization, the transfer layer for pattern transfer, and other functional layers. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, simplifying the resin composition design for the protective layer while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4549147A1Transfer sheet, decorative molded article, and method for producing decorative molded article
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD
  • EP4549147A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4549147A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4549147A1 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a transfer sheet capable of imparting, to a surface of a decorative molded article, an uneven profile that is readily visible when observed from various angles. A transfer sheet comprising a transfer layer on a release sheet, wherein the release sheet comprises, in order from the transfer layer side, a release layer and a substrate, wherein the release layer comprises an uneven portion containing a binder resin and a matting agent and having a plurality of protrusions on the transfer layer side, and a flat portion whose surface on the transfer layer side is relatively flatter than the uneven portion, and wherein the plurality of protrusions of the uneven portion of the release layer are in contact with the transfer layer.