Electroluminescent Flexographic Ink for Adhesion and Mass Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electroluminescent devices face challenges with low-density, poorly adherent luminescent layers produced by vacuum evaporation and limited applicability of inkjet printing, which hinder mass production and compatibility with traditional printing materials.

Innovation Solution

A flexographic printing ink formulation comprising an electroluminescent material, monomer, and prepolymer, with a leveling agent, optimized for high-quality printing performance, achieving particle sizes less than 0.1 μm, suitable for various substrates, and minimal resin content to maintain luminescence quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vacuum evaporation is used to prepare luminescent layer, then electroluminescent performance is achieved, but film density and adhesion are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidmass production capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the vacuum evaporation process with a printing process using specially formulated ink containing electroluminescent materials, monomers, and prepolymers. This substitution enables the luminescent layer to be formed through printing techniques that provide better adhesion and film density while being compatible with mass production requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite ink formulation combining electroluminescent materials with monomers and prepolymers. This composite approach creates a luminescent layer with improved adhesion and mechanical properties compared to pure electroluminescent material deposits from vacuum evaporation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If inkjet printing is used to prepare luminescent layer, then printing capability is achieved, but application scope is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate compatibilityVSAvoidmass production efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a printing ink with universal applicability across multiple printing methods including flexographic printing, screen printing, and inkjet printing. This multi-functional ink formulation expands the application scope beyond what traditional electroluminescent materials can achieve while maintaining compatibility with mass production processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If sufficient resin component is added to improve printing performance, then printing quality is improved, but electroluminescence is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidelectroluminescent performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the composition parameters of the printing ink, specifically controlling the ratios of electroluminescent materials, monomers, and prepolymers. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the ink achieves both high printing quality and maintained electroluminescent performance, resolving the contradiction between printing quality and luminescence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates different functional zones within the ink formulation: electroluminescent materials provide luminescence in specific regions, while monomers and prepolymers provide printing performance in other regions. This local differentiation allows both electroluminescence and printing quality to coexist without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 ink enables fast, high-quality printing with excellent adhesion and durability on diverse substrates, ensuring effective luminescence while being compatible with traditional flexographic printing equipment and processes.

Implementation Method 1

Organic electroluminescent materials, hereinafter referred to as electroluminescent materials, have been valued and developed rapidly in the existing technology due to fast response, high luminous efficiency, and wide viewing angle range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS20240209222A1Electroluminescent flexographic printing ink and preparation method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.06.27 BEIJING INSTITUTE OF GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

AI summary

An electroluminescent flexographic printing ink and a preparation method thereof. The ink includes, in parts by weight, the following components: 0.5 parts to 2 parts by weight of an electroluminescent material; 120 parts to 150 parts by weight of a monomer; 10 parts to 20 parts by weight of a prepolymer; and 0 part to 5 parts by weight of a leveling agent; wherein the electroluminescent ink for flexographic printing of the luminescent layer of the electroluminescent device does not comprise a pigment; and the electroluminescent ink for flexographic printing of the luminescent layer of the electroluminescent device has a particle size of less than 0.1 μm, a viscosity of 20 cP to 2,000 cP at 25° C., a surface tension of 18 mN/m to 37 mN/m at 25° C., and a curing time of 10 min to 30 min.