Laminated Ink Container Using Recycled Plastic for Ink Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recycled plastic materials used in ink containers are prone to deterioration due to heat history, ultraviolet exposure, and solvent interaction, leading to reduced ink resistance compared to virgin materials.
Innovation Solution
An ink container is designed with a laminated structure using recycled plastic for non-ink-contacting layers, such as an intermediate layer, and includes protective layers to enhance ink resistance, utilizing a combination of recycled and virgin materials in specific layer configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If recycled plastic material is used for the ink container, then environmental sustainability is improved, but ink resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ink container is divided into multiple layers with distinct functions: the inner layer (contacting ink) is made of virgin plastic material with high ink resistance, while the outer layer (not contacting ink) is made of recycled plastic material for environmental sustainability. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the ink container have different material qualities: the inner layer uses virgin plastic material specifically where ink contact occurs to ensure ink resistance, while the outer layer uses recycled plastic material where ink contact does not occur. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between sustainability and ink resistance.
2Loss of substance
If recycled plastic material is used, then waste reduction is improved, but material durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is segmented into inner and outer layers with different material compositions. The inner layer uses durable virgin plastic material that maintains integrity during ink storage, while the outer layer uses recycled material for structural support and sustainability, reducing overall waste without compromising total container durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink container employs a composite structure combining virgin plastic material and recycled plastic material in different layers. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both material types: the durability and ink resistance of virgin material where needed, and the sustainability benefits of recycled material where appropriate, achieving both waste reduction and maintained durability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a recycled plastic material and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an ink container excellent in ink resistance. In other words, the present disclosure can contribute to realization of a sustainable society such as a decarbonized/circular society. In order to realize this, an ink container accommodating an ink to be supplied to an inkjet printing apparatus includes an ink accommodating unit formed of a plurality of layers and configured to accommodate the ink and an ink supply unit configured to supply the ink in the ink accommodating unit to the outside of the ink accommodating unit. Further, at least one layer not in contact with the ink among the plurality of layers includes a recycled plastic material.