Ink Storage Segmentation for Ejection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of an ink jet recording apparatus with a recording unit formed by integrating a recording head into an ink storage portion made from a thermoplastic resin composition containing a filler material leads to reduced intermittent ejection stability of aqueous ink containing pigments, particularly magenta ink with quinacridone pigment, resulting in image distortion.
Innovation Solution
The ink jet recording method involves an ink storage portion with three or more independent storage parts arrayed in a predetermined direction, where the magenta ink containing a quinacridone pigment is stored in the innermost storage part, which experiences less evaporation and maintains higher humidity, thereby improving the intermittent ejection stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ink storage portion is formed from a thermoplastic resin composition containing a filler material to reduce linear expansion coefficient and improve deformation resistance, then the strength and dimensional stability of the ink storage portion is improved, but the intermittent ejection stability of aqueous pigment ink is reduced due to increased evaporation and humidity loss
Solution Approach 1:
The ink storage portion is divided into multiple storage chambers (first storage chamber for cyan and yellow inks, second storage chamber for magenta ink, third storage chamber for black ink). This segmentation allows different ink types to be stored in separate environments, enabling the magenta ink to be isolated in a chamber that minimizes evaporation effects while maintaining the overall structural integrity provided by the filler-containing resin.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ink storage portion are designed with different functional characteristics. The chamber storing magenta ink is specifically positioned and configured to have reduced exposure to evaporation, while other chambers may have different configurations. This local optimization allows the structure to simultaneously provide overall strength through the filler material while creating localized environments that protect sensitive inks from humidity loss.
2Volume of moving object
If the recording apparatus is downsized by integrating the recording head and ink storage portion, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the heat generation from the recording head increases and accelerates ink evaporation from the ink storage portion
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated recording unit is segmented into functionally independent zones: the recording head assembly with its heat-generating elements and the ink storage portion with thermally isolated chambers. This spatial segmentation allows the heat from the recording head to be confined to its operational area while the ink storage chambers, particularly those containing magenta and black inks, are positioned and configured to minimize thermal exposure, thereby reducing evaporation in the compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink storage portion acts as an intermediary element that buffers the thermal effects from the recording head. By positioning the ink storage chambers at specific distances and orientations relative to the recording head, and by using the thermoplastic resin composition with appropriate thermal properties, the system creates a thermal buffer zone that protects the ink from direct heat exposure while maintaining the downsized integrated configuration.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If aqueous ink containing quinacridone pigment is used to achieve high light fastness, then the permanence of the recorded image is improved, but the intermittent ejection stability is reduced when stored in an ink storage portion with filler material due to evaporation and thickening
Solution Approach 1:
The ink system is segmented by color type, with aqueous pigment inks (cyan, magenta, black) stored separately from other ink types. The magenta ink containing quinacridone pigment is specifically stored in the second storage chamber, which is configured to minimize evaporation. This segmentation allows the high light fastness properties of the pigment ink to be preserved while protecting it from the evaporation-induced instability that would occur in a conventional single-chamber design with filler material.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage environment for the magenta ink is locally optimized to protect the quinacridone pigment from evaporation effects. The second storage chamber is positioned and configured with specific characteristics that reduce humidity loss, creating a localized protective environment for this sensitive pigment ink while allowing the rest of the ink storage system to maintain its structural integrity through the filler-containing resin.
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 approach enhances the intermittent ejection stability of the aqueous ink containing pigments, ensuring high-quality images with improved light fastness, even in downsized recording apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
when no ink is ejected for a long time period from some ejection orifices of the recording head and no recovery operation of the recording head is performed, a liquid component such as water in the ink evaporates from the ejection orifice to cause thickening of the ink
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ink jet recording method with which, even when an ink jet recording apparatus having mounted thereon a recording unit in a form in which a recording head is incorporated into an ink storage portion is used and an aqueous ink containing a pigment is used, while the strength of the recording unit is maintained, an intermittent ejection stability of the aqueous ink is less liable to be reduced and an image excellent in light fastness can be recorded. 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, and the storage parts are arrayed in one predetermined direction. A magenta ink containing a quinacridone pigment is stored in the storage part arranged on an inner side.