Water-Based Solid Marking Composition for Smooth, Stable Paper Marks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oil-based marking compositions, such as wax-based crayons, have poor affinity with paper, leading to difficulty in application and leaving sludge, while water-based compositions face issues like particle sedimentation and ink leakage.

Innovation Solution

A water-based solid marking composition comprising an alkali metal salt of carboxylic acid and a fatty acid amide, which improves smoothness and stability, allowing for a smooth application on porous surfaces like paper without friction and maintaining a well-defined, uniform mark.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional oil-based marking compositions (wax-based crayons) are used, then the composition is easy to manufacture and apply, but it has poor affinity with paper, leaves sludge, and expresses poor color tone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidaffinity with paper
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using water-based pigmented ink instead of oil-based wax, and by controlling particle size distribution (D50 between 0.1-10 μm). This fundamental parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving both good paper affinity and acceptable application ease through optimized composition rather than conventional wax-based formulas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite marking composition combining water, pigments with specific particle size ranges, binders, and optional additives. This composite approach allows synergistic effects where the combination of components achieves both paper affinity (through water solubility and particle size optimization) and application smoothness (through binder and additive selection), resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If water-based solid marking composition containing alkali metal salt of carboxylic acid is used, then the composition improves smoothness and color tone, but it suffers from particle sedimentation and ink leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmoothness and color toneVSAvoidstability against sedimentation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the particle size parameter by specifying D50 between 0.1-10 μm and D90/D50 ratio between 2-10, which prevents sedimentation while maintaining smooth application. This parameter control resolves the contradiction by achieving both smoothness and stability through scientifically optimized particle characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent formulates a composite system with alkali metal salts of carboxylic acids (8-36 carbon atoms) combined with fatty acid amides and specifically sized pigments. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by using the carboxylic acid salt for smoothness and color tone while the fatty acid amide and optimized particle distribution prevent sedimentation and leakage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If liquid inks are used, then the composition can be easily applied, but it causes ink leakage and clogging of the tip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidstability against leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transition by formulating a solid marking composition that transitions from solid state (in the crayon/stick) to a controlled liquid-like state during application through friction and pressure, then re-solidifies on the paper. This phase transition approach resolves the contradiction by providing ease of application (through controlled softening) while preventing leakage (through solid structure at rest)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

4Ease of operation

If the solid composition is made soft for smooth application, then it achieves good lay-down and glide, but it may break during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmoothness of applicationVSAvoidhardness against breaking
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the composition parameters including alkali metal salt concentration (0.1-20%), fatty acid amide content (0.1-10%), and particle size distribution to achieve a balanced hardness. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by creating a composition that is soft enough for smooth application but maintains structural integrity to prevent breaking during use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250263573A1Water-based solid marking composition
Publication Date: 2025.08.21 SOCIETE BIC SA

AI summary

The present disclosure concerns a water-based solid marking composition comprising a) an alkali metal salt of carboxylic acid having 8 to 36 carbon atoms; (b) a fatty acid amide and (c) a coloring agent. The solid water-based marking compositions may be used for drawing or marking and can be in form of a crayon, a pastel crayon, a stick or a colored pencil.