Ink Set Viscosity Control via Enzyme Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet recording apparatuses face issues with ink viscosity increasing at low temperatures, leading to clogging and inadequate ink ejection due to the use of polysaccharides, which results in suboptimal printing quality.
Innovation Solution
An ink set comprising a main ink with polysaccharides and a sub ink containing enzymes that degrade the polysaccharides, allowing for viscosity adjustment by mixing the sub ink with the main ink when temperature parameters are outside a predetermined range, thereby maintaining optimal ink viscosity for efficient ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polysaccharide is blended to ink to prevent nozzle clogging and adjust viscosity, then nozzle clogging is prevented and viscosity is adjusted, but at low temperature the viscosity increases more than necessary causing inadequate ink ejection or nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-blending the enzyme (sub ink) with the polysaccharide-containing main ink at manufacturing stage, so that the viscosity-adjusting mechanism is already in place before use. The enzyme is activated upon temperature drop to degrade polysaccharides and maintain viscosity, preventing the harmful effect before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing an enzyme-catalyzed degradation reaction that changes the molecular structure of polysaccharides. The enzyme breaks down polysaccharide chains into smaller molecules, fundamentally altering the viscosity characteristics of the ink to remain stable across temperature variations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If polysaccharide is added to ink to maintain viscosity, then ink stability is improved, but at low temperature the ink viscosity becomes too high preventing appropriate ink ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by incorporating an enzyme that automatically activates when temperature drops and polysaccharide viscosity increases. The enzyme self-regulates the viscosity by degrading excess polysaccharides, eliminating the need for external intervention or manual viscosity adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the enzyme responds to temperature-induced viscosity changes by degrading polysaccharides. The enzyme activity serves as a feedback mechanism that automatically counteracts viscosity increase, maintaining optimal ink flow properties under varying temperature conditions.
3Ease of operation
If polysaccharide derivative is used to adjust ink viscosity, then ink flow is controlled, but under low temperature conditions the viscosity increases excessively causing Unejection due to nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the polysaccharide derivative (for initial viscosity control) with an enzyme (for temperature compensation). This composite ink system leverages the synergistic effect of both components: the polysaccharide provides base viscosity while the enzyme dynamically adjusts viscosity in response to temperature 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
This solution ensures consistent ink ejection and prevents nozzle clogging by dynamically adjusting viscosity based on temperature, maintaining printing quality across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The sub ink comprises enzyme degrading at least one of the polysaccharide and the polysaccharide derivative comprised in the main ink
Implementation Method 2
at least one of a polysaccharide and a polysaccharide derivative in the main ink is degraded by enzyme in the sub ink to reduce viscosity of the main ink
Data Source
AI summary
An ink set for ink-jet recording having a main ink and a sub ink. The main ink includes at least one of a polysaccharide and a polysaccharide derivative. The sub ink includes enzyme degrading at least one of the polysaccharide and the said polysaccharide derivative in the main ink.