Inkjet Head Cleaning Composition for Neutral-pH Nozzle Unclogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet head nozzles become clogged due to solidified ink, especially with water-based inks on non-absorbent media, leading to ejection abnormalities, and existing cleaning methods are inadequate for neutral pH conditions.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning solution comprising a silicone surfactant and a polycarboxylic acid polymer salt, with a pH of 7 to 8, that effectively removes solidified ink using a blade wipe method, enhancing wettability and stability while inhibiting surfactant hydrolysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If water-based inks with improved wettability are used for non-absorbent media, then ink adhesion to nozzle surface is improved, but solidified ink accumulation and nozzle clogging worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink adhesionVSAvoidnozzle clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning solution by using a polycarboxylic acid polymer salt with specific molecular weight (1,000-1,000,000) and incorporating a silicone surfactant, adjusting the pH to 2-9. This chemical parameter modification enables effective removal of water-based ink residues that cause nozzle clogging, resolving the contradiction between improved ink adhesion and nozzle clogging prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite cleaning solution system combining polycarboxylic acid polymer salt and silicone surfactant together. This composite approach leverages the chelating ability of the polymer salt and the surface-active properties of the silicone surfactant to effectively remove solidified water-based ink from nozzle surfaces, addressing the nozzle clogging issue while maintaining ink adhesion performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If basic compounds are used to chemically remove solidified ink, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but surfactant hydrolysis and stability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsurfactant stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the pH parameter of the cleaning solution to range from 2 to 9, optimizing it for neutral or slightly acidic conditions rather than strongly basic conditions. This parameter change maintains effective cleaning performance while preventing surfactant hydrolysis, thereby improving surfactant stability without sacrificing cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses polycarboxylic acid polymer salt as a stable, non-basic cleaning agent that does not cause surfactant degradation. This alternative to basic compounds provides sufficient cleaning effectiveness while maintaining long-term surfactant stability, effectively replacing the short-lived basic cleaning approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If cleaning solutions with pH outside neutral range are used, then cleaning performance is improved, but preservation stability and effectiveness duration worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidpreservation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the pH parameter to a moderate range of 2-9, avoiding strongly acidic or basic conditions that would cause surfactant hydrolysis. This parameter adjustment ensures both adequate cleaning performance and long-term preservation stability, allowing the cleaning solution to maintain effectiveness for over a year under neutral storage conditions

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 solution achieves high cleaning performance and extended nozzle lifespan by uniformly spreading and penetrating the cleaning solution, maintaining effectiveness for over a year without nozzle damage.

Implementation Method 1

The inkjet head cleaning solution includes: a silicone surfactant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

enhancing wettability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Implementation Method 3

a polycarboxylic acid polymer salt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChelation:

Implementation Method 4

chemically removed with a cleaning solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 5

inhibiting surfactant hydrolysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis inhibition: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 6

maintaining effectiveness for over a year

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStability:

Data Source

PatentEP4682233A1Inkjet head cleaning solution

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

Figure 1~2

AI summary

An inkjet head cleaning solution that is used for cleaning an inkjet head with a blade (C) includes: a silicone surfactant; and a polycarboxylic acid polymer salt, the inkjet head cleaning solution having a pH of 7 or more and 8 or less.