2.5D Inkjet Printing With Water-Based Layers for Textured Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wallpaper and textured surface technologies emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and lack the ability to produce personalized, environmentally friendly, 2.5D designs with high-resolution color and texture, requiring a different approach for both small-scale and large-scale production.
Innovation Solution
A digital inkjet printing process using water-based ink formulations that form 2.5D patterns through sequential deposition of thin material layers, avoiding UV-based inks and UV-irradiation, with optional color patterning and recipient ink formulations to enhance fixation, allowing for customizable and durable textured surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional solvent-based inks are used for wallpaper production, then high-resolution color patterns can be achieved, but volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted causing environmental harm
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the ink from solvent-based to water-based formulation. This substitution maintains the ink's functional properties for high-resolution printing while eliminating VOC emissions, as the water-based ink dries through evaporation of water rather than organic solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the traditionally harmful solvent-based ink system into a beneficial water-based system. By replacing organic solvents with water as the carrier, the harmful VOC emissions are eliminated while the ink retains its ability to form high-resolution patterns and provide durable coloration on wallpaper substrates
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wallpaper designs are produced in advance and held in stock, then customer choice is available, but inventory costs and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a static inventory model to a dynamic on-demand production model. The digital inkjet printing system allows wallpaper designs to be produced dynamically in response to customer orders, enabling unlimited design variety without the need to pre-produce and store multiple design variants
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements digital design storage and on-demand reproduction. Design files are stored digitally and can be reproduced as needed through the inkjet printing process, allowing customers to choose from a wide range of designs without the manufacturer needing to maintain physical inventory of each design variant
3Reliability
If UV-based inks and UV-irradiation are used for 2.5D pattern formation, then rapid curing and durability are achieved, but environmental friendliness and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the harmful UV-based curing process with a beneficial water-based drying process. The water-based ink formulations dry through evaporation and/or absorption, eliminating the need for UV irradiation while maintaining pattern durability and color fastness on the wallpaper substrate
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the curing mechanism parameter from UV-photochemical curing to thermal evaporation/absorption drying. This parameter change eliminates the harmful effects of UV exposure while achieving equivalent or superior pattern durability through the water-based ink formulation and controlled drying process
4Adaptability or versatility
If personalized custom designs are produced in small quantities, then customer satisfaction increases, but production costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The digital inkjet printing system performs multiple functions through a single integrated process: it stores digital design files, processes customer orders, prints high-resolution patterns, and produces finished wallpaper products. This universal system handles both standard and custom designs without requiring separate production lines or complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex manual or mechanical customization processes with a digital system. Design customization is achieved through software-based design file modification rather than physical template changes, and the inkjet printing system automatically adjusts parameters such as color, pattern, and dimensions through digital control, eliminating the need for complex mechanical reconfiguration
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 process enables the creation of durable, high-resolution 2.5D patterns with improved visual and tactile effects, reducing VOC emissions and enabling on-demand production of personalized designs at both small and large scales.
Implementation Method 1
sequential deposition of thin material layers of solidified ink for achieving a textured flat substrate
Implementation Method 2
thin material layers of solidified ink
Data Source
AI summary
The technology generally concerns methods for forming 2.5D images on a substrate.