Water-Based Imprint Deposition on Elastomeric Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies, such as lithographic and screen printing, are inadequate for depositing images on soft elastomeric materials and tubular substrates, as they use solvent-based inks that can alter the physical properties of elastomeric materials and pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
A system for depositing an imprint onto a substrate using a water-based, highly elastic fluid material that is compatible with elastomeric substrates, capable of producing textured images with improved precision and safety for prolonged human contact, featuring a deposition surface with outlets, a substrate holder, and a spacer member to adjust imprint thickness and ensure synchronization during the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solvent-based inks are used for high-throughput commercial printing, then rapid drying and good adhesion are achieved, but the inks penetrate elastomeric materials causing swelling and physical property changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the ink from solvent-based to water-based formulation. This parameter change eliminates the harmful solvent components that cause elastomeric material swelling while maintaining the ink's ability to adhere to the substrate through water-based binding agents and polymers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful effect of solvent penetration into a beneficial process by using water-based inks where water acts as a temporary carrier that evaporates without damaging the elastomeric material. The water solubility allows for controlled deposition and clean evaporation, leaving behind only the desired pigment and binder components.
2Manufacturing precision
If solvent-based inks are used for printing, then good color depth and enhanced definition are achieved, but harmful components pose health risks through contact with printed materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates harmful solvent components from the ink formulation while maintaining or enhancing image quality through water-based polymers and binders that provide equivalent or superior color depth and definition. The water-based formulation removes toxic exposure risks while preserving the aesthetic and functional qualities of the printed image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ink formulation from organic solvent-based to water-based, altering the volatility, solubility, and drying characteristics. This parameter change maintains the ink's ability to form high-quality images through controlled pigment suspension and binding while eliminating harmful volatile organic compounds.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional printing methods are used on elastomeric materials, then the printing process is simple, but the printed images are less satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ink formulation parameters to be compatible with elastomeric materials through water-based chemistry that does not cause material swelling or deformation. This allows the printing process to remain simple while achieving satisfactory image quality on elastomeric substrates that were previously difficult to print on effectively.
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 system enables the creation of safe, textured imprints on various substrates, including elastomeric materials, with enhanced precision and accuracy, ensuring the imprints remain attached even during extensions and are non-toxic for human contact, suitable for products like condoms and medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
The ink is pressed through the open areas of the screen to deposit a sharp-edged image onto the substrate surface below
Implementation Method 2
means operatively associated with the deposition surface for supplying a material through the at least one outlet to deposit the material onto the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A system for depositing an imprint onto a substrate includes a deposition surface having at least one outlet disposed therein, a substrate holder for holding the substrate against the deposition surface, means operatively associated with the deposition surface for supplying a material through said at least outlet to deposit said material onto the substrate, and a spacer member disposed in contact between the deposition surface and the substrate.