Liquid Absorber Ion Scavenger for High Electrolyte Ink

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid absorbers, particularly those using anionic absorbent resins, exhibit reduced absorbency when dealing with dye inks containing high electrolyte concentrations, as the ion concentration hinders the absorption process.

Innovation Solution

A liquid absorber comprising small chips with a hydrophilic cellulose fiber substrate and an ion scavenger, such as nonionic polymers or ion exchange resins, which trap ions and prevent them from reaching the absorbent resin, maintaining its absorbency even with high ion concentration liquids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If an anionic absorbent resin is used to absorb aqueous liquid, then the absorbency of the resin is improved, but the absorbency is reduced when the liquid contains a high concentration of electrolytes

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A nonionic polymer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the anionic absorbent resin and the electrolyte-containing liquid. The nonionic polymer preferentially absorbs ions and electrolytes, preventing them from reaching the anionic absorbent resin, thereby maintaining the resin's absorbency despite high ion concentrations in the liquid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite absorbent structure combining anionic absorbent resin and nonionic polymer in a specific mass ratio (0.1:9.9 to 4:6). This composite material leverages the high water absorbency of the anionic resin while the nonionic polymer component protects it from ion interference, achieving synergistic performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If a nonionic polymer is used to absorb liquid, then the polymer absorbs water and swells to gel, but it is not as absorbent of aqueous liquid as superabsorbent polymer (SAP) having an anionic group

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the advantages of both nonionic and anionic polymers by combining them in a composite structure. The nonionic polymer provides stability in high ion concentration environments, while the anionic absorbent resin provides high water absorbency, achieving both reliability and performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ensures high absorbency of liquids with high ion concentrations, such as dye inks, by preventing ion interference with the absorbent resin, thereby enhancing the liquid absorption capacity.

Implementation Method 1

ion exchange resins, which trap ions and prevent them from reaching the absorbent resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

nonionic polymers or ion exchange resins, which trap ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

anionic absorbent resin, exhibit reduced absorbency when dealing with dye inks containing high electrolyte concentrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3708376B1Liquid absorber, liquid absorbing unit, and liquid ejection apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.06.22

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AI summary

A liquid absorber includes a plurality of small chips. Individual ones of the small chips include a first substrate containing fibers, a second substrate containing fibers, and an absorbent resin supported between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate contains an ion scavenger.