Printed Matter Volume Expansion Control for Bossed-Recessed Shapes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printed matter producing methods struggle to accurately control the degree of volume expansion and design properties in forming bossed-recessed shapes, especially when using high-expansion agents, leading to difficulties in small-lot production and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a volume expansion layer forming step, a volume expansion suppressor applying step, and a volume expanding step, where a multifunctional monomer is applied to control the degree of volume expansion by inkjet method, allowing precise control of bossed-recessed shapes using a volume expansion agent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If high-expansion agents are used to achieve desired bossed-recessed shapes, then the design properties and shape control are improved, but the manufacturing precision and cost control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebossed-recessed shapeVSAvoidvolume expansion control
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using a volume expansion suppressor that is applied selectively to specific regions of the volume expansion layer. This allows different regions to have different degrees of volume expansion, enabling precise control over the bossed-recessed shape formation. The suppressor is applied in amounts corresponding to the desired degree of volume expansion suppression in each region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the amount of volume expansion suppressor applied to different regions. By varying the amount of suppressor applied, the degree of volume expansion can be precisely controlled. The suppressor amount is adjusted based on the desired bossed-recessed shape characteristics for each region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional printing methods are used for small-lot production, then the production flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmall-lot production capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical printing methods with an inkjet printing system. This substitution enables precise digital control of the volume expansion suppressor application, allowing for flexible small-lot production with reduced material waste and lower operational costs compared to traditional mechanical embossing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inkjet printing method allows for continuous adjustment of the volume expansion suppressor discharge amount based on digital data. This parameter control enables cost-effective small-lot production by applying the suppressor only where and how much is needed, avoiding the high costs associated with conventional methods for small quantities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the volume expansion suppressor is applied uniformly, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the design properties and shape variation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication process complexityVSAvoidbossed-recessed shape variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by applying the volume expansion suppressor non-uniformly across different regions. The application amount is varied according to the desired degree of volume expansion suppression in each region, enabling diverse bossed-recessed shape variations while maintaining a systematic application process through inkjet technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables the production of printed matters with desired bossed-recessed shapes and improved design properties by accurately controlling volume expansion, facilitating small-lot production and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a volume expanding step of heating the volume expansion layer after the volume expansion suppressor applying step to volume-expand the volume expansion layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVolume expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the volume expansion suppressor is discharged by an inkjet method and applied to the volume expansion layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInkjet deposition:

Implementation Method 3

a volume expansion suppressor applying step of applying and contacting a volume expansion suppressor containing a multifunctional monomer to the volume expansion layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVolume expansion suppression:

Data Source

PatentEP3819129B1Printed matter producing method and printed matter producing apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3819129B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3819129B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3819129B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a printed matter producing method including: a volume expansion layer (40) forming step of forming a volume expansion layer containing a volume expansion agent (41, 42); a volume expansion suppressor applying step of applying and contacting a volume expansion suppressor containing a multifunctional monomer to the volume expansion layer while increasing an amount of the multifunctional monomer to be applied to a predetermined region of the volume expansion layer in accordance with a degree of suppressing volume expansion of the predetermined region of the volume expansion layer; and a volume expanding step of heating the volume expansion layer after the volume expansion suppressor applying step to volume-expand the volume expansion layer.