Ink Composition Alkanediol Cyclodextrin Non-Absorbable Media

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inkjet recording technologies face challenges in achieving high-quality images on non- or low-absorbable recording media like synthetic paper and printing paper, particularly due to bleeding and beading issues, which are exacerbated by the poor ink permeability of the coating layer on these surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An ink composition containing a slightly water-soluble alkanediol with 7 to 10 carbon atoms and cyclodextrin, which reduces surface tension and flowability of ink droplets, thereby preventing bleeding and beading on non- or low-absorbable recording media.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If aqueous pigment ink is used on printing paper with coating layer, then ink jet recording can be performed on non-absorbable media, but bleeding and beading occur due to poor ink permeability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to non-absorbable recording mediaVSAvoidimage quality (bleeding and beading)

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the ink by incorporating specific diols (1,3-butanediol at 5-20 mass% and/or 1,6-hexanediol at 5-20 mass%) and cyclodextrin compounds (6-20 mass%). This changes the physical properties of the ink including surface tension and permeability characteristics, enabling it to penetrate non-absorbable coating layers without bleeding or beading while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining multiple components: aqueous pigment ink base, specific diols (1,3-butanediol and/or 1,6-hexanediol), and cyclodextrin compounds. This composite material achieves synergistic effects where the diols provide permeability control and the cyclodextrin compounds enhance stability, collectively solving the bleeding and beading problems on non-absorbable media.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If exclusive paper is used for ink jet recording, then high color reproducibility and stability are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor reproducibility and stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal ink composition that can be used on multiple types of recording media including both exclusive paper and ordinary printing paper. The ink formulation with specific diols and cyclodextrin compounds provides consistent color reproducibility and stability across different media types, eliminating the need for separate inks for different papers and thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If surfactants and solubilization aids are added to reduce bleeding, then image quality improves, but storage stability of ink deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality (reduction of bleeding)VSAvoidstorage stability of ink

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cyclodextrin compounds as intermediary substances that form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic components in the ink. This mediation stabilizes the ink composition during storage by preventing premature phase separation or precipitation, while still allowing the ink to penetrate and dry properly on the recording medium, thus maintaining both storage stability and image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 composition effectively suppresses bleeding and beading, ensuring high-quality image formation on various recording media, including synthetic paper and printing paper, while maintaining excellent storage stability.

Implementation Method 1

An ink composition containing a slightly water-soluble alkanediol having 7 to 10 carbon atoms and cyclodextrin compound... reduces surface tension and flowability of ink droplets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surface Tension