Polyether Cleaning Liquid Dissolves Dried Ink Residues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dried ink solid matter frequently clogs ink-jet printer nozzles and flow paths, leading to unstable ink discharge and reduced image density, especially in nonabsorbent substrates, where existing cleaning liquids are inadequate in dissolving and removing solidified ink residues.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning liquid comprising a specific compound represented by the formula (CH3)3C—R—O(C4H8O)L—(C3H6O)m—(C2H4O)n—H, combined with water and optionally glycol ethers and organic solvents, effectively dissolves and removes dried ink solid matter from ink-jet printers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water-based ink with water-insoluble coloring matter is used for printing on nonabsorbent substrates, then environmental safety is improved, but nozzle clogging occurs due to dried ink solid matter
Solution Approach 1:
A cleaning liquid comprising water and a specific compound of formula (1) acts as an intermediary substance to dissolve and remove dried ink solid matter from the nozzle. The compound with specific polyether structure (where (L+m)/n=1.5/1 to 1/1.5) serves as the active mediator that bridges the water-based cleaning liquid and the hydrophobic dried ink residues, enabling effective dissolution without damaging the printer components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning liquid by specifying precise molecular structure parameters of the compound (formula (1)), particularly the ratio (L+m)/n between 1.5/1 to 1/1.5, and controlling carbon numbers in the R group (C1-C5). These parameter changes optimize the solvent's ability to dissolve dried ink while maintaining safety for printer components
2Ease of operation
If existing cleaning liquids are used to remove dried ink solid matter, then general cleaning is achieved, but effective dissolution of solidified ink residues fails
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves superior dissolution effectiveness by precisely controlling chemical parameters: the compound must have the specific polyether structure of formula (1) with (L+m)/n ratio between 1.5/1 to 1/1.5, R representing C1-C5 hydrocarbon group. These parameter specifications create optimal solvation properties that enable the cleaning liquid to effectively dissolve solidified ink residues that existing cleaners cannot remove
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 cleaning liquid effectively dissolves and removes dried ink solid matter, preventing nozzle clogging and ensuring stable ink discharge, even in challenging environmental conditions, thereby maintaining image quality and extending printer maintenance intervals.
Implementation Method 1
A cleaning liquid comprising a specific compound represented by the formula (CH3)3C—R—O(C4H8O)L—(C3H6O)m—(C2H4O)n—H, combined with water and optionally glycol ethers and organic solvents, effectively dissolves and removes dried ink solid matter from ink-jet printers
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning liquid including a compound represented by the following formula (1):(CH3)3C—R—O(C4H8O)L—(C3H6O)m—(C2H4O)n—H (1)and water; and a method of cleaning an ink-jet printer using the cleaning liquid. In the formula (1), R represents a linear or branched C1 to C5 hydrocarbon group, and L, m, and n each represent the average number of repeats, and L≥0, m≥0, n>0, and (L+m)/n=1.5/1 to 1/1.5.