Decorated Drinking Vessel Coating for Abrasion-Resistant Toner Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoration processes for drinking and eating vessels, such as dry toner heat transfer, result in products with poor resistance to mechanical abrasion due to the lack of adequate adhesion between the polymeric coating and the decorative layer.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric coating with a matting agent, such as silica, is applied to the vessel's outer surface, followed by curing and the application of a dry toner image, enhancing the adhesion and durability of the decorative layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dry toner heat transfer process is used for decoration, then short runs and personalisation are accommodated, but resistance to mechanical abrasion is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a composite polymeric coating system consisting of multiple layers: a base polymeric coating applied to the substrate, followed by a decorative layer containing dry toner particles embedded within a clear polymeric coating. This composite structure combines the adhesion properties of the base coating with the protective and aesthetic functions of the decorative layer, achieving both versatility for short runs and durability for mechanical abrasion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the polymeric coating formulation by incorporating specific additives and adjusting composition parameters to optimize both adhesion and abrasion resistance. The coating mixture includes polymeric resins, solvents, and functional additives in controlled proportions, with parameters such as resin type, solvent content, and curing conditions being adjusted to achieve the desired balance between versatility and mechanical durability.
2Reliability
If polymeric coating is applied to improve adhesion, then mechanical abrasion resistance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated coating process. The polymeric coating mixture is formulated to simultaneously provide adhesion to the substrate, accommodate dry toner decoration, and deliver mechanical abrasion resistance. This merging of functions into one coating application step reduces manufacturing complexity compared to applying separate functional coatings in sequence.
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
The inclusion of a matting agent in the polymeric coating significantly improves the mechanical abrasion resistance and overall durability of the decorative layer, allowing for long-lasting designs on vessels like ceramic mugs and plates.
Implementation Method 1
The polymeric coating may be cured onto the outer surface (and/or inner surface) of the drinking vessel at a curing temperature of less than 600° C., for example less than 400° C. or less than 300° C.
Implementation Method 2
the inclusion of a matting agent in the polymeric coating, in accordance with the present invention, has been found to improve the resistance to mechanical abrasion and the overall durability of the decorative layer
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a drinking or eating vessel comprising an inner surface that defines a volume for receiving liquid or solid food and an outer surface that supports a polymeric coating and a decorative layer, wherein the polymeric coating comprises a polymer formed by curing a coating mixture on the outer surface of the drinking or eating vessel, said coating mixture comprising a matting agent, wherein the polymeric coating has an inner surface in contact with the drinking or eating vessel and an outer surface in contact with the decorative layer, and wherein the decorative layer comprises a dry toner image applied to the outer surface of the polymeric coating. Also provided is a corresponding process for producing the drinking or eating vessel.