Wicking Substrate Dye Separation for Brush-Free Ink Patterning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating watercolor or tie-dye effects on substrates are cumbersome, especially for children and individuals with disabilities, as they require careful brush application and sequential drying, making it difficult to achieve uniform and desired patterns.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of ink comprising a first dye and a second dye to a substantially wicking substrate, where a solvent induces migration of the dyes over significant distances, creating non-uniform, ethereal patterns by exploiting differences in solvent movement and dye interaction with the substrate, allowing for effortless and extensive coloration beyond the initial application area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If careful brush application and sequential drying steps are used, then uniform coloration and desired patterns can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and difficult for children and individuals with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the substrate to self-color through capillary wicking action. The porous substrate automatically draws the colorant solution through its structure without requiring manual brush application, making the process accessible to children and individuals with disabilities while still producing uniform patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical brush application process with a chemical-capillary based system. Instead of using physical brushes to apply colorant, the system uses capillary forces within the porous substrate to draw the solution through the material, eliminating the need for precise manual control
2Area of stationary object
If ink is applied only to a small defined region, then the initial application area is limited, but the desired effect requires extensive coloration over large surface areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses capillary flow (a hydraulic principle) to transport the colorant solution through the porous substrate. The liquid moves through the material's pore structure driven by capillary pressure gradients, automatically distributing the ink over large surface areas from small application regions without requiring complex pumping or distribution systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous substrates with controlled pore structures that enable capillary wicking. The porous material's surface area and pore size distribution facilitate the spontaneous movement and distribution of the colorant solution throughout the substrate, expanding the colored area from the initial application point
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple sequential applications of colorant are made, then complete coverage and desired patterns can be achieved, but the process time increases due to repeated drying periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous coloration through single or simultaneous multiple applications. The porous substrate continuously wicks and distributes the colorant solution throughout its structure in one action, eliminating the need for repeated sequential applications and drying cycles while achieving complete and uniform coverage
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
This method enables the creation of vibrant, non-uniform patterns on a larger surface area than the initial ink application, facilitating the production of artistic designs without the need for precise brushwork, making it accessible for various users, including children and those with disabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A first solvent is applied to the substantially wicking substrate to cause the first dye and the second dye to move in a defined direction within the body of the substantially wicking substrate over distances representing substantial distances
Implementation Method 2
The initial process and steps in the present invention resemble and include the process of chromatography, which is an analytical process for separating mixtures containing substances
Implementation Method 3
Components of a mixture may be chemically or physically interacting with the mobile and stationary phases and separation is based on properties such as charge, molecular size, molecular polarity, hydrogen bonding, relative solubility or adsorption
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus is disclosed for coloring a substantially wicking substrate comprising applying to a substantially wicking substrate an ink comprising a first dye and a second dye to define a region of reference; applying a first solvent to the substantially wicking substrate to move the first dye and the second dye within the body of the substantially wicking substrate; moving the two dyes in a defined direction to carry the two dyes outside of the defined region to color an area of the wicking substrate; coloring at least a portion of the substantially wicking substrate by allowing the first solvent to move through a portion of the first dye for a first distance from the defined point of origin of the ink and the second dye a second distance from the defined point of origin of the ink wherein the first distance is sufficiently different from the second distance to recognize a separation between the first dye and the second dye thereby coloring the substantially wicking substrate outside of the defined region on the front surface; shaping a portion of the colored wicking substrate into a form; assembling one or more such colored forms with a support into an assemblage; and affixing the form onto a support for display.