UV Ink Image Transfer Sheet for Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image transfer techniques, such as dry transfer and UV printing, face challenges in forming stereoscopic images on three-dimensional objects with curved surfaces, and require complex processes, high costs, and environmental concerns due to solvent use and limited material applicability.
Innovation Solution
An image transfer sheet with a UV ink printed image layer on a glue layer, where the transfer film has release properties and easy adhesion to the glue layer, allowing for direct transfer without manual glue application, and using a non-contact printer to form a stable, thick image layer that adheres well to the transfer target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light shielding image layer is made and photosensitive material is modified by exposure process, then the image can be transferred, but the color and color tone are limited and the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the photosensitive material and exposure process from the transfer sheet structure, keeping only the essential adhesive and image layers. This simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the core image transfer function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the image layer light-shielding and using photosensitive material that requires exposure, the patent inverts the approach by using a non-shielding image layer with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that activates through simple pressure and heat, eliminating the need for complex exposure processes.
2Reliability
If photosensitive material is used and light irradiation and solvent removal steps are included, then the image layer can be transferred, but the manufacturing cost increases and environmental burden is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of requiring complex chemical processes into a benefit by using a pressure-sensitive adhesive that activates through simple pressure and heat, eliminating the need for solvents and reducing environmental burden while maintaining transfer reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that can be easily applied and removed without requiring expensive photosensitive materials or complex processing equipment, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact.
3Reliability
If manual glue application is used, then the image layer can be transferred, but the working efficiency decreases and the process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image layer and adhesive layer into a single integrated structure where the adhesive is pre-applied to the image layer. This eliminates the need for separate manual glue application steps, improving working efficiency while ensuring proper adhesive distribution for reliable transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive is pre-applied to the image layer during manufacturing, performing the glue application action in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual glue application during the transfer process, significantly improving working efficiency and productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the transfer sheet is used for three-dimensional objects with curved surfaces, then the image can be transferred to complex surfaces, but existing techniques require special tools and complex processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible transfer sheet structure with a thin adhesive layer that can conform to three-dimensional objects and curved surfaces. The flexibility of the transfer sheet allows it to adapt to complex geometries without requiring special tools or complex processing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameters from requiring light exposure and solvent removal to using simple pressure and heat activation. This parameter change allows the transfer sheet to be easily applied to three-dimensional objects and curved surfaces using conventional heating and pressing equipment, eliminating the need for special tools.
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
This method simplifies the image transfer process, reduces costs, improves working efficiency, and enhances the quality of the finish by preventing bubbles and waves, enabling printing on complex surfaces without special tools or environmental burdens.
Implementation Method 1
UV printing is a printing technique which applies a UV ink having a quick drying property to a surface of a printing target from a non-contact printer head similar to an ink jet printer, and forcibly dries (cures) the ink by immediate UV (ultraviolet light) irradiation.
Implementation Method 2
an acrylic-based glue is applied to the image layer and dried, and then the carrier sheet is adhered to a transfer target
Data Source
AI summary
An image transfer sheet includes a release paper, a glue layer, the glue layer having a lower surface removably glued to an upper surface of the release paper, a transfer film having a release property with respect to the image layer and an easy adhesion property with respect to the glue layer, and an image layer partially between the transfer film and the glue layer, a lower surface of the transfer film being in contact with the image layer at a portion where the image layer is present and in contact with the glue layer at a portion where the image layer is not present.