Ink composition, inkjet recording system, and inkjet recording method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording devices face challenges with air bubbles forming in the ink composition due to increased contact with air, leading to unstable ink ejection and frequent cartridge replacements, which complicates the removal of dissolved gas and results in reduced recording quality.
Innovation Solution
An ink composition with a surface tension of 22 to 30 mN/m, including a disperse dye and at least one silicon-based or fluorine-based surfactant, is used in an ink container with an ink inlet for refilling, and a nozzle hole with a discontinuous cross-sectional area reduction, facilitating the removal of air bubbles and maintaining ejection stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the cartridge size is increased to reduce exchange frequency, then the cartridge can be refilled more times, but the area of contact between ink composition and gas increases, causing more air bubbles to form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the ink composition, specifically adjusting the surface tension to 22-30 mN/m through selective surfactant combinations. This parameter change enables the ink to resist air bubble formation even in large-capacity cartridges with extensive gas-liquid contact areas, thus resolving the contradiction between extended cartridge life and air bubble prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite surfactant systems combining silicon-based surfactants (e.g., polyether-modified organosiloxane) with fluorine-based surfactants (e.g., perfluoroalkyl ethylene oxide adduct). This composite approach creates synergistic effects that provide superior surface tension control and air bubble resistance compared to single surfactant systems, allowing large cartridges to maintain ejection stability
2Reliability
If a deaeration mechanism is added to remove dissolved gas, then air bubbles can be removed from ink, but the device size increases and installation area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deaeration function from a separate mechanical mechanism and integrates it into the chemical composition of the ink itself. By formulating ink with specific surfactant combinations that prevent and eliminate air bubbles through chemical action, the need for complex mechanical deaeration devices is eliminated, maintaining ejection stability without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical deaeration systems with chemical solutions. Instead of using mechanical means to remove dissolved gas and air bubbles, the invention uses surfactant-based chemical mechanisms to prevent bubble formation and promote their elimination, thereby avoiding the need for additional mechanical components and reducing overall device complexity
3Productivity
If the ink container is refilled from the outside, then the cartridge can be reused, but the ink composition easily comes in contact with air, causing gas dissolution and air bubble formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface tension parameter of the ink composition to 22-30 mN/m through careful selection and combination of surfactants. This parameter optimization enables the ink to maintain stability and resist air bubble formation during external refilling operations, allowing cartridges to be refilled multiple times without significant air bubble contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the ink composition to self-protect against air bubble formation during refilling. The surfactant system automatically adjusts the surface properties of the ink to prevent gas dissolution and bubble formation when exposed to air during external refilling, eliminating the need for special refilling equipment or procedures
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 removes air bubbles, ensuring stable ink ejection and reducing the frequency of cartridge replacements, thereby improving recording quality and maintaining ejection stability even when the ink container design increases the area of contact with air.
Implementation Method 1
the ink composition having a surface tension of 22 to 30 mN/m
Implementation Method 2
including a disperse dye and at least one silicon-based surfactant or fluorine-based surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
An ink composition is held in an ink container that is provided with an ink inlet through which the ink container can be refilled with the ink composition, and is used in a state in which the ink container is fitted into an inkjet recording device that includes a recording head having a nozzle hole that ejects the ink composition, the ink composition including a disperse dye, and at least one of a silicon-based surfactant and a fluorine-based surfactant, the ink composition having a surface tension of 22 to 30 mN/m.