Inkjet Recording Apparatus Filter Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording technologies face challenges in achieving both high image quality and high-speed printing on regular paper while maintaining storage and discharging stability, particularly when using pigments as colorants in smaller nozzle diameters, which often result in clogging and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of an inkjet recording apparatus with a filter that adjusts the viscosity of the ink to 6 mPa·s to 13 mPa·s and the fluid resistance of the filter to 4.4×10^9 Pa·s/m^3 to 2.2×10^10 Pa·s/m^3, combined with a formulation of ink containing a colorant, humectant, surfactant, and wetting agent, ensures stable ink supply and discharge at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pigments are employed as colorant and nozzle diameter is reduced to achieve high image quality, then image quality is improved, but discharging stability deteriorates due to nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the viscosity of the ink to a specific range (5 mPa·s to 15 mPa·s) to optimize both image quality and discharging stability. This parameter change allows the ink to flow smoothly through small nozzles while maintaining pigment suspension, preventing clogging and ensuring reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a filter with specific pore size between the ink supply unit and ink discharge unit. This porous structure removes dust and large particles from the ink without blocking the flow, enabling high image quality through small nozzles while maintaining discharging stability by preventing particle accumulation
2Reliability
If filter is installed to remove dust and prevent clogging, then reliability is improved, but pressure difference increases and maximum ink ejecting frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter of the ink to balance filter performance and ejecting frequency. By controlling viscosity within 5-15 mPa·s, the ink maintains adequate flow characteristics that reduce pressure buildup across the filter, allowing high-speed operation without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a filter with specifically controlled pore size that balances particle removal capability with flow resistance. The porous structure is designed to capture dust and precipitates while maintaining sufficient open area to minimize pressure difference and preserve high ink ejecting frequency
3Manufacturing precision
If viscosity is increased to ensure high image quality, then image quality is improved, but storage stability and discharging stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and controls multiple parameters including viscosity (5-15 mPa·s), pigment particle size (5-200 nm), and compositional ratios of colorant, humectant, surfactant, and wetting agent. This multi-parameter optimization ensures the ink maintains appropriate viscosity for image quality while preserving storage stability by preventing pigment aggregation and maintaining discharging stability
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 enables high image quality and reliability by preventing nozzle clogging and ensuring stable ink supply during high-speed printing, while maintaining the stability of the ink over time.
Implementation Method 1
it is proposed to install a filter between the ink supply unit and ink discharge unit in order to prevent dust from being mixed in the ink
Implementation Method 2
formulations that suppress as much as possible the increase in the viscosity of the ink when the moisture in the ink has evaporated in the vicinity of the nozzles
Implementation Method 3
improvements of the long-term preservation stability of the ink (to prevent the formulation of coarse particles due to pigment aggregations)
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus is provided, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus contains a recording head with a filter, an ink that comprises a colorant, a humectant, a surfactant, and a wetting agent is discharged from the recording head, the viscosity of the ink at 25° C. is 6 mPas to 13 mPas, and the fluid resistance of the filter against the ink is 4.4×109 Pas/m3 and 2.2×1010 Pas/m3.