Water Transfer Imaging Kit for Consumer Image Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image transfer processes for objects, such as hunting equipment, require expensive equipment and controlled environments, limiting their accessibility to consumers for DIY applications.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained kit that allows users to apply images onto objects using a pre-packaged water transfer imaging process, including primer, base coat, activator, and top coat, with a pre-printed film suspended in water, enabling image transfer on various materials without costly equipment or controlled environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water transfer printing process is used to apply images to objects, then image quality and durability are improved, but equipment cost and environmental control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water transfer printing process is divided into separate functional components: primer coating, base coat, activator, and top coat, each applied in discrete steps. This segmentation allows the complex process to be broken down into manageable, sequential operations that can be performed with simpler equipment while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The kit provides pre-prepared coating materials and instructions that prepare all necessary components before use. The film is pre-printed with the desired image, and coating materials are pre-mixed and packaged, eliminating the need for complex environmental controls during application while ensuring consistent results.
2Manufacturing precision
If professional water transfer printing facility is used, then image transfer precision is improved, but time and cost to consumer increase
Solution Approach 1:
The kit enables consumers to perform the image transfer process themselves without requiring professional facilities. All necessary materials, including the pre-printed film and coating components, are provided in a self-contained kit that can be used at home, eliminating the need to schedule and travel to professional services while maintaining precision through detailed instructions and quality materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pre-printed film that serves as a template or copy of the desired image. This film is then transferred to the object through the water transfer process, allowing consumers to replicate professional-quality images without needing professional equipment or expertise.
3Reliability
If controlled environment water transfer process is used, then image transfer reliability is improved, but accessibility to consumers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The kit modifies the environmental parameters required for the process by providing insulated containers and pre-controlled coating materials. This allows the water transfer process to be performed in typical consumer environments without requiring strict temperature and humidity controls, while still maintaining reliable image transfer through carefully formulated materials.
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
Enables retail consumers to successfully apply images onto objects like plastic, metal, and hardwood without technical support or specialized equipment, making the process more accessible and cost-effective while maintaining image quality and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The film is a clear acetate base sheet onto which a desired ink image has been printed... The acetate base of the film is water soluble... application of the activator... causes a chemical reaction that changes the ink from a solid to a liquid state
Implementation Method 2
The object is then submersed into the vat of water containing the hydrated and activated ink to create pressure against the object and transfer the ink image onto the object
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a personal water transfer imaging process kit for application of an image to an object. A pre-printed film having an image thereon is suspended within a vat of water to hydrate the ink after which it is activated. The object is submerged into the vat containing the hydrated and activated ink to generate pressure against the object and cause transfer the ink image onto the object. Primer, base coat, top coat, activator, film and supporting supplies are all supplied within the self-contained kit. The primer coating material, base coating material, activator material and top coat material are the form of a hand held aerosol propellant or pump actuator devices. The kit components are efficiently packaged within a cardboard tube provided with protective clear outer skin. The sensitive image transfer film and supporting components are thereby protected from moisture, dirt and damage while in the tube. The compact size makes the kit retail and retailer friendly and less costly to ship and occupies less retail when displayed in a retail outlet.