Ink Ribbon Solubility Parameter Control for Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adhesive tapes with print struggle to maintain antifouling properties and separability when used, as dirt and debris stick to the surface and the adhesive layer peels off unevenly from the separation layer during feed-out from a roll, affecting transferability and separability.

Innovation Solution

An ink ribbon with a layered structure comprising a ribbon base layer, a first layer with a solubility parameter value of 7-9 for separation, and a second layer with a solubility parameter value of 7-9 for adhesion to the transfer target, enhancing separability and transferability by adjusting the solubility parameter values of the layers to control adhesion and peeling forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a separation layer is provided on the front surface of the adhesive tape to prevent dirt and debris sticking, then antifouling properties are improved, but separability of the adhesive layer from the separation layer deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantifouling propertiesVSAvoidseparability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the solubility parameter of the separation layer to 7-9, which optimizes the balance between antifouling properties and separability. This specific parameter range allows the separation layer to resist dirt and debris while maintaining appropriate adhesion for clean separation during feed-out.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a ribbon base layer, a separation layer with specific solubility parameters (7-9), and an ink layer. This composite material approach allows each layer to contribute different properties: the ribbon base layer provides structural support, the separation layer provides antifouling properties and controlled separability, and the ink layer provides print formation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the separation layer is made with low adhesion to improve separability during feed-out, then separability is improved, but transferability of print from the ink ribbon deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveseparabilityVSAvoidtransferability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention precisely controls the solubility parameter of the separation layer within the range of 7-9. This parameter optimization ensures that the separation layer has sufficient adhesion to the ink ribbon for reliable print transfer, while maintaining enough separability for clean feed-out from the roll.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ribbon achieves optimal antifouling properties and improved separability and transferability, ensuring the adhesive tape maintains its print quality and functionality when used as a label or sealing material.

Implementation Method 1

a first layer disposed adjacent to one side of the ribbon base layer in the thickness direction, and including a solubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9, and configured to separate from the ribbon base layer, and a second layer disposed on the one side of the first layer in the thickness direction, and including a solubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9, and configured to stick to a transfer target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2712739B1Ink ribbon and ink ribbon roll
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2712739B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2712739B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2712739B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure discloses an ink ribbon (IB) having a dimension in a thickness direction, comprising a ribbon base layer (164) a first layer (163; 163; 163; 162"') disposed adjacent to one side of said ribbon base layer (164) in said thickness direction, and including a solubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9, and configured to separate from said ribbon base layer (164), and a second layer (161; 161; 162";161) disposed on the one side of said first layer (163; 163; 163; 162"') in said thickness direction, and including a solubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9, and configured to stick to a transfer target.