Ink-Jet Ink Marker for Accurate Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying the correct ink in ink-jet recording systems are inefficient, as they either require costly IC chips or visual inspection, and existing absorbance measurement methods are hindered by high ink stock solution absorbance, making it difficult to determine if an appropriate ink is mounted properly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a marker with a detector absorption peak at a different wavelength than the coloring agent's maximum absorption peak, allowing for accurate identification of the ink through absorbance measurement, with specific absorbance and color difference conditions to ensure reliable detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If absorbance measurement is used to identify ink type, then identification accuracy is improved, but the high absorbance of ink stock solution makes measurement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a marker substance as an intermediary component in the ink formulation. This marker has a specific absorption peak at a wavelength different from the coloring agent's maximum absorption peak, allowing the detection system to measure absorbance at this alternative wavelength where the ink's inherent absorbance is lower, thus enabling accurate identification without being hindered by the ink's high stock solution absorbance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter by selecting a detection wavelength that corresponds to the marker's absorption peak rather than the coloring agent's maximum absorption peak. This parameter change allows measurement at a wavelength where the ink formulation has more favorable absorbance characteristics, resolving the measurement difficulty while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If IC chip or visual inspection method is used for ink identification, then ink type identification is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive reusable identification components (IC chips) with a inexpensive disposable marker substance that is mixed into the ink formulation itself. The marker is a cheap chemical component that provides identification functionality without requiring additional electronic components or complex manufacturing processes, significantly reducing ink cartridge costs while maintaining reliable identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation by combining the coloring agent with a marker substance. This composite material integrates the identification function directly into the ink itself, eliminating the need for separate identification components and reducing overall system cost while maintaining accurate identification capability.
3Measurement precision
If marker is added to ink for identification, then ink type identification accuracy is improved, but the marker may affect the ink's color properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different functional regions to different components: the coloring agent is responsible for the ink's color properties, while the marker substance is responsible for identification functionality. The marker is formulated to have minimal impact on color by selecting appropriate concentration levels and absorption characteristics, allowing each component to excel at its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the concentration parameter of the marker substance within specific ranges (A2/A3 ratio between about 1.2 and 10, and A2 between about 1 and 10) to ensure that the marker provides sufficient identification signal while maintaining color consistency. By optimizing this concentration parameter, the patent achieves a balance between identification accuracy and color 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
Enables accurate and cost-effective identification of the ink type by measuring absorbance at the marker's wavelength, ensuring proper ink usage and reducing errors in ink-jet recording processes.
Implementation Method 1
The marker has a detector absorption peak for detecting the marker at a wavelength that is different from a wavelength of the maximum absorption peak of the coloring agent
Data Source
AI summary
An ink for ink-jet recording may contain a coloring agent and a marker. The coloring agent may contain a pigment. The marker may have a detector absorption peak for detecting the marker at a wavelength that is different from a wavelength of the maximum absorption peak of the coloring agent. The coloring agent and the marker may be contained in the ink in amounts that satisfy the following conditions (I) to (III):(I) about 1.2≦A2/A3;(II) color difference (ΔE)≦about 3; and(III) about 1≦A2≦about 10 in terms of a measurement optical path length of 1 mm,where A2 denotes an absorbance at the wavelength of the detector absorption peak of the marker,A3 denotes a baseline absorbance at the wavelength of the detector absorption peak of the marker.