Composition for aqueous ink jet and method for producing recorded product

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aqueous ink jet compositions face challenges with solid precipitation over time, especially under temperature changes, affecting ejection stability and printer maintenance, particularly due to the interaction between calcium and oxalate ions, which can lead to unintended precipitation and reduced storage stability.

Innovation Solution

A composition for aqueous ink jet with controlled calcium and oxalate ion content, where the oxalate ion content (y) is limited by the relation y ≤ 3491.8x - 3.386, with calcium ion content between 1.0 ppm and 8.0 ppm, and oxalate ion content between 1.0 ppm and 30 ppm, along with the use of a precipitation accelerator containing higher oxalate or calcium ions on the recording medium, to prevent solid precipitation and enhance ejection stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aqueous ink jet composition is stored for long time, then storage stability deteriorates due to solid precipitation, but ejection stability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection stabilityVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the calcium ion content and oxalate ion content within specific ranges, and establishing a quantitative relationship between these parameters through formula (1). This resolves the contradiction by adjusting the chemical composition parameters to prevent precipitation while maintaining ejection stability over long storage periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the ion content ratio before storage occurs, using formula (1) to establish the appropriate calcium to oxalate ion ratio in advance. This preventive measure ensures that even during long-term storage, solid precipitation is avoided, thereby maintaining both storage stability and ejection stability without requiring intervention during storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If calcium and oxalate ion content is increased for color development, then precipitation risk increases, but ejection stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor development qualityVSAvoidsolid precipitation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the parameters of calcium ion content and oxalate ion content to specific ranges, and establishing their quantitative relationship through formula (1). This allows sufficient ion content for good color development while preventing the excess ion interaction that causes harmful precipitation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful interaction between calcium and oxalate ions into a beneficial effect by controlling their ratio according to formula (1). The ion interaction that could cause precipitation is transformed into a controlled process that enhances color development while preventing solid formation, turning a harmful factor into a benefit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 controlled ion content composition and precipitation accelerator method effectively prevent unintended solid precipitation, ensuring stable ejection over time, improving the longevity of recording apparatuses and productivity by maintaining ejection stability and enhancing color development on recording media.

Implementation Method 1

a precipitation step of precipitating calcium oxalate in the recording medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentUS12091562B2Composition for aqueous ink jet and method for producing recorded product
Publication Date: 2024.09.17 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A composition for aqueous ink contains water and a coloring material, wherein the calcium ion content x (ppm) and the oxalate ion content y (ppm) in the composition for aqueous ink jet satisfy the relation of y≤3491.8x−3.386.