Ink Discharge Device Circulation and Surface Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet technologies face issues with beading phenomenon on coated papers due to slow pigment permeation and instability in ink discharge, leading to meniscus drying, nozzle clogging, and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
An ink discharge device and method utilizing an ink comprising a colorant, organic solvent, and water, with a dynamic surface tension of 34.0 mN/m or less and a specific balance between dynamic and static surface tensions, circulated at a flow rate of 0.10 to 1.50 times the maximum dischargeable rate, to enhance wetting and permeability on coated papers, preventing beading and maintaining ink stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If water-based pigment inks are used for inkjet printing on coated paper, then the texture of printed matter can be brought close to that of commercially printed matter, but beading phenomenon occurs because permeation of the pigment into the coated paper is too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the dynamic surface tension (34.0 mN/m or less at 25°C) and the relationship between dynamic and static surface tensions (10.0-19.0% difference). This optimization of surface tension parameters enables the ink to penetrate coated paper effectively without beading, while maintaining pigment composition similar to conventional commercial printing inks for texture quality.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional inkjet discharge methods are used, then simple process and low running cost are achieved, but instability in ink discharge occurs leading to meniscus drying and nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous circulation of ink through the inkjet head using a circulator system. The ink flows through flow-in channels to the liquid chamber and returns via flow-out channels, maintaining continuous ink supply and preventing meniscus drying. This continuous circulation ensures stable ink discharge and prevents nozzle clogging while keeping the overall process simple and cost-effective.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pigment permeation into coated paper is accelerated to prevent beading, then beading phenomenon is reduced, but image density and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes surface tension parameters (dynamic surface tension ≤34.0 mN/m and dynamic-static tension difference of 10.0-19.0%) to achieve balanced ink behavior. This parameter optimization enables sufficient pigment permeation into coated paper to prevent beading while maintaining adequate image density and durability, avoiding the need for excessive permeation that would compromise image 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 solution effectively prevents beading and meniscus outflow, ensures stable ink discharge, and produces high-quality images with improved image density and extended durability on various paper types.
Implementation Method 1
A dynamic surface tension A of the ink at 25° C. is 34.0 mN/m or less when measured by a maximum bubble pressure method at a surface lifetime of 15 msec, and the dynamic surface tension A and a static surface tension B of the ink at 25° C. satisfy the following relation: 10.0(%)≤[(A−B)/(A+B)]×100≤19.0(%).
Implementation Method 2
beading phenomenon occurs because permeation of the pigment into the coated paper is too slow
Data Source
AI summary
An ink discharge device is provided including an ink, an ink discharge head, and a circulator. The ink discharge head includes a nozzle, an individual liquid chamber communicated with the nozzle, a flow-in channel, and a flow-out channel. The circulator circulates the ink by letting the ink flow into the individual liquid chamber via the flow-in channel and flow out from the individual liquid chamber via the flow-out channel. A flow rate of the circulated ink is 0.10 to 1.50 times a maximum dischargeable rate of the ink discharge head. A dynamic surface tension A of the ink at 25° C. is 34.0 mN/m or less when measured by a maximum bubble pressure method at a surface lifetime of 15 msec, and the dynamic surface tension A and a static surface tension B of the ink at 25° C. satisfy the following relation:10.0(%)≤[(A−B)/(A+B)]×100≤19.0(%).