Ink Jet Recording Apparatus with Segmented Ink Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses with recording units integrated into thermoplastic resin ink storage portions face issues with ink sticking at the ejection orifices, leading to reduced sticking recovery properties, especially when using pigment inks.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an ink storage portion with three or more independently divided storage parts arrayed in a predetermined direction, where the specific gravity of the pigment in the ink stored in the inner storage part is higher than in the end storage parts, improving the sticking recovery property.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an ink storage portion is formed from a thermoplastic resin composition containing a filler material, then the strength and deformation resistance of the recording unit is improved, but the sticking recovery property of pigment ink deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ink storage portion is divided into multiple independently arranged storage parts (first, second, and third storage parts) that store different inks (cyan, magenta, and yellow inks). This segmentation allows each storage part to have optimized characteristics for its specific ink type, resolving the contradiction between overall structural strength and specific ink sticking recovery properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Different storage parts are assigned different inks with different specific gravities based on their local requirements. The first storage part (cyan ink with highest specific gravity) is positioned at one end, the second storage part (magenta ink with intermediate specific gravity) at the other end, and the third storage part (yellow ink with lowest specific gravity) in the middle. This local quality differentiation optimizes sticking recovery for each ink type while maintaining overall unit strength.
2Reliability
If pigment ink is used to achieve high permanence and color developability, then image quality is improved, but ink sticking at the ejection orifice occurs more readily
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameter of specific gravity as a distinguishing characteristic for different pigment inks. By assigning inks with different specific gravities to different storage parts and positioning them according to their specific gravity values, the system optimizes the sticking recovery property for each pigment ink type while maintaining the high permanence and color developability that pigments provide.
3Volume of moving object
If the ink storage portion is downsized by integrating with the recording head, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the sticking recovery property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated ink storage portion is segmented into multiple independent storage parts, each capable of storing different pigment inks. This segmentation allows the compact integrated structure to maintain proper ink storage conditions for each ink type, preventing sticking issues that would otherwise occur in a downsized integrated configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each storage part within the integrated unit is optimized for its specific ink type based on local requirements. The first storage part stores cyan ink with highest specific gravity, the second stores magenta ink with intermediate specific gravity, and the third stores yellow ink with lowest specific gravity. This local optimization ensures proper sticking recovery properties are maintained despite the overall downsized integrated configuration.
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
This configuration enhances the sticking recovery property of the aqueous pigment ink, reducing the number of sucking operations required to resolve ink sticking and maintaining the strength of the recording unit, even in downsized apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a specific gravity of the pigment in the aqueous ink stored in a corresponding one of the three or more storage parts arranged on an inner side is larger than a specific gravity of the pigment in the aqueous ink stored in each of corresponding two of the three or more storage parts arranged at both end portions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ink jet recording method using a downsized recording apparatus having mounted thereon a recording unit in a form in which a recording head is incorporated into an ink storage portion, and providing an excellent sticking recovery property while maintaining a strength of the recording unit even when an aqueous ink containing a pigment is used. The ink jet recording method includes recording an image through use of an ink jet recording apparatus including: an aqueous ink; an ink storage portion; and a recording head. The ink storage portion includes three or more storage parts divided and arrayed in one predetermined direction. A specific gravity of a pigment in the aqueous ink stored in the storage part arranged on an inner side is larger than a specific gravity of a pigment in the aqueous ink stored in each of the storage parts arranged at both end portions.