Ink Set Expands Color Reproduction Area via Fluorescent Brightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet recording methods struggle to achieve a sufficient expansion of the color reproduction area, particularly with the yellow ink not containing a predetermined colorant, leading to inadequate light resistance and graininess in recorded materials.
Innovation Solution
An ink set comprising cyan ink C1 and C2, magenta ink M1 and M2, and yellow ink Y1 and Y2, each with specific fluorescent brightening intensities and SP values, is used. The ink set includes a black ink, orange ink, and other inks, with the SP values obtained through a turbidity titration method using a mixed solution of water and acetone, to enhance color reproduction, light resistance, and storage stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If yellow ink does not contain a predetermined colorant, then the ink formulation is simplified, but the color reproduction area and light resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the yellow ink by specifying particular colorants (yellow 56, yellow 114, yellow 184, yellow 232) with defined molecular structures and concentration ranges (0.1-10% by mass). This parameter specification resolves the contradiction by achieving both adequate color reproduction area expansion and light resistance while maintaining formulation simplicity through targeted ingredient selection rather than complex multi-component systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation by combining specific yellow colorants with solvents having controlled solubility parameters (SP values of 12-18 (cal/cm³)¹/²) and fluorescent brightening agents. This composite approach enables the yellow ink to achieve sufficient color reproduction area and light resistance through synergistic interactions between components, resolving the contradiction between formulation simplicity and performance
2Ease of manufacture
If yellow ink does not contain a predetermined colorant, then the ink composition is simplified, but the light resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the yellow ink including colorant concentration (0.1-10% by mass), solvent SP values (12-18 (cal/cm³)¹/²), and fluorescent brightening agent content. These parameter controls ensure adequate light resistance by optimizing the molecular structure and concentration of yellow colorants (yellow 56, yellow 114, yellow 184, yellow 232), resolving the contradiction between composition simplicity and light resistance reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces solvents with specific SP values (12-18 (cal/cm³)¹/²) as intermediary substances that mediate between the yellow colorants and the recording medium. These solvents enhance the light resistance of the yellow ink by controlling the dissolution and deposition behavior of colorant molecules, thereby resolving the contradiction without requiring complex multi-component formulations
3Manufacturing precision
If the nozzle opening time is increased, then the ink adhesion is improved, but the storage stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the storage stability by specifying the solvent composition with SP values in the range of 12-18 (cal/cm³)¹/² and limiting the concentration of certain components. This parameter control prevents excessive ink adhesion that would occur with prolonged nozzle opening, thereby resolving the contradiction between improving ink adhesion and maintaining storage stability during extended operational periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic balance in the ink formulation where the solvent composition and colorant concentrations are optimized to provide adequate adhesion during the required nozzle opening time while automatically preventing excessive adhesion that would compromise storage stability. The ink formulation dynamically adapts to operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between adhesion improvement and stability maintenance
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 proposed ink set effectively expands the color reproduction area, improves light resistance and graininess, and enhances intermittent reliability and storage stability, even with increased nozzle opening times.
Implementation Method 1
an ink jet head for jetting each ink
Implementation Method 2
suction cleaning is performed on the some nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
An ink set is an ink set including a cyan ink C1 which has a fluorescent brightening intensity of 3.0 or greater and an SP value of 12 to 18 (cal/cm3)1/2, a magenta ink M1 which has a fluorescent brightening intensity of 3.0 or greater and an SP value of 12 to 18 (cal/cm3)1/2, a yellow ink Y1 which has a fluorescent brightening intensity of 3.0 or greater and an SP value of 12 to 18 (cal/cm3)1/2, a cyan ink C2 which has a fluorescent brightening intensity of less than 3.0 and an SP value of 12 to 18 (cal/cm3)1/2, a magenta ink M2 which has a fluorescent brightening intensity of less than 3.0 and an SP value of 12 to 18 (cal/cm3)1/2, and a yellow ink Y2 which has a fluorescent brightening intensity of less than 3.0 and an SP value of 12 to 18 (cal/cm3)1/2, in which the SP values are values obtained by a turbidity titration method using a mixed solution of water and acetone.