Liquid Discharge Head Embossing Ink Foaming Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharge technologies face challenges in effectively suppressing foaming and forming consistent irregularities on PVC sheets during emboss processing, which affects the reproducibility of patterns and the quality of the embossed images.

Innovation Solution

A liquid discharge apparatus equipped with a liquid discharge head and processing circuitry that discharges embossing ink to suppress foaming, forming irregularities on a PVC sheet, while the processing circuitry manages condition information to generate evaluation media with predetermined pattern images, allowing for selection of optimal output conditions for desired irregularity patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If embossing ink is discharged to suppress foaming and form irregularities on PVC sheets, then the quality of embossed images is improved, but the reproducibility of patterns deteriorates due to inconsistent adhesion and spreading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of embossed imagesVSAvoidreproducibility of patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying discharge conditions (discharge amount, discharge interval, discharge timing) and ink properties (viscosity, composition) to optimize the balance between foaming suppression and pattern reproducibility. Different parameters are adjusted based on the specific embossing requirements to achieve consistent results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the liquid discharge apparatus adaptable to different discharge conditions through controllable parameters. The system can dynamically adjust discharge amount, interval, and timing based on real-time conditions and pre-stored condition information, allowing flexible optimization for various embossing patterns and materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If condition information is stored and multiple evaluation media are generated for different conditions, then the ability to select optimal output conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to select optimal output conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of managing condition information

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying by storing condition information (discharge conditions, ink properties, processing parameters) in advance as reference data. Instead of manually setting each parameter, the system copies pre-optimized condition sets and applies them to different embossing tasks, significantly reducing operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing the liquid discharge apparatus to handle multiple types of media (PVC sheets, foaming textiles) and multiple discharge conditions through a single integrated system. The apparatus can store and recall various condition information sets, making it universally applicable to different embossing requirements without requiring separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Improves the reproducibility of irregularities by controlling the adhesion and spreading of embossing ink, resulting in higher quality embossed images with consistent pattern formation.

Implementation Method 1

liquid having a function of suppressing foaming of the medium to form irregularities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

controlling the adhesion and spreading of embossing ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS10792915B2Liquid discharge apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid discharge head and processing circuitry. The liquid discharge head is configured to discharge, to a foamable medium, liquid having a function of suppressing foaming of the medium to form irregularities. The processing circuitry is configured to hold condition information indicating a content defined by each of a plurality of conditions related to image formation at a time when the liquid forms a predetermined pattern image on the medium; and generate and output, for each condition of the plurality of conditions, an evaluation medium on which irregularities corresponding to the predetermined pattern image formed according to the condition are formed.