Window Shade Printing with Composite Natural Material Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for printing images on window shades and louvered blinds face challenges such as ink adhesion issues, distortion, and the creation of demarcation lines, especially when simulating natural materials like wood or grass patterns, which often result in repeat patterns and an unnatural aesthetic.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a scanner, computer, and colored ink printing machine, enhanced with photo-enhancing software, to create a composite image of natural materials by scanning real samples, duplicating and arranging computer-generated images to eliminate repeat patterns and simulate large natural material surfaces on window shades and blinds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If images are printed on synthetic fabrics or slats using conventional printing methods, then the printing process can be completed, but the printed image will wear off or peel off when exposed to sunlight and hot temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the substrate surface by creating a micro-porous structure through extrusion. This structural parameter change enables the ink to penetrate and adhere firmly to the surface, transforming the surface from smooth and non-adhesive to porous and ink-receptive, thereby resolving the adhesion problem under sunlight and heat exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies porous material principles by extruding slats with a micro-porous outer surface. The pores allow ink to penetrate deep into the material structure rather than sitting on the surface, creating strong mechanical interlocking and chemical bonding that prevents peeling and fading under environmental stress
2Ease of operation
If conventional printing methods are used on louvered blinds, then printing can be performed, but demarcation lines appear on side edges creating a non-pleasing effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing ink to specific locations - the side edges of slats - with precise control. The printing system selectively applies ink to edge areas that would otherwise be missed, ensuring continuous image coverage across adjacent slats while maintaining the overall printing process efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the printing process into distinct zones: main surface printing and edge printing. By dividing the slat surface into these functional zones and applying ink separately to each, the system ensures complete coverage without demarcation lines while maintaining operational efficiency
3Area of stationary object
If printer rolls are used to print patterns on fabric blinds, then large area printing can be achieved, but repeat patterns and distortion occur due to fabric pliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical roller printing system with a digital inkjet printing system. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contact that causes distortion on pliable fabric, allowing precise ink deposition anywhere on the fabric surface without the constraints of roller geometry, thereby achieving large area printing without repeat patterns or distortion
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for producing a window shade having a real natural material printed image coated thereon. A real natural material is scanned and the data of the image is stored in a computer which generates an image of the scanned real natural material. That image is duplicated a plurality of times by the use of the computer and the images are assembled in a predetermined arrangement to produce a composite image which is then enhanced using photo-enhancing software. The enhanced composite image is then printed by the use of a colored ink printing machine on material to form the window shade. Preferably, but not exclusively, the material is constituted by slats of a louvered blind or a fabric of a roller blind.