Processing fluid, set of processing fluid and ink, applying device, image forming device, applying method, and image forming method

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet printing on fabrics, particularly those with synthetic fibers like polyester, faces challenges in maintaining image quality over time due to colorant transfer from the fabric to the ink, leading to coloring deterioration and yellowing, especially when printing on dark-colored fabrics with white ink.

Innovation Solution

A processing fluid containing a resin with an amino group and an amine value of 200 to 1,200 mgKOH/g, combined with a polyvalent metal salt, is applied to the fabric before inkjet printing to prevent colorant transfer and minimize yellowing, enhancing the durability and whiteness of the printed image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If white ink is used to print on dark-colored fabrics, then the whiteness and brightness are improved, but colorant transfer from fabric to ink causes coloring deterioration and yellowing over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewhiteness and brightnessVSAvoidimage quality durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a processing fluid containing a resin with amino groups and polyvalent metal salts to the fabric surface before inkjet printing. This preliminary treatment aggregates colorants on the fabric surface, preventing their transfer to the white ink during storage and wear, thereby maintaining image quality durability while preserving whiteness and brightness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The processing fluid acts as an intermediary substance between the dark-colored fabric and the white ink. The resin with amino groups and polyvalent metal salts in the processing fluid aggregates colorants on the fabric surface, creating a barrier that prevents colorant transfer to the ink, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining whiteness and ensuring durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If conventional processing fluids are used, then application is simple, but they fail to prevent colorant transfer and yellowing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication simplicityVSAvoidcolorant transfer and yellowing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the processing fluid by specifying a resin with amino groups and a particular amine value range (200-1,200 mgKOH/g), along with polyvalent metal salts. These parameter changes enable the processing fluid to aggregate colorants effectively, preventing colorant transfer and yellowing while maintaining ease of application through standard inkjet printing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively prevents colorant transfer and yellowing, resulting in improved long-term image quality and whiteness, especially on dark-colored fabrics, by using a resin with specific amine value and polyvalent metal salts to aggregate and fix the colorant on the fabric surface.

Implementation Method 1

a resin having an amino group and an amine value of from 200 to 1,200 mgKOH/g

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a resin having an amino group and an amine value of from 200 to 1,200 mgKOH/g and a polyvalent metal salt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20220282107A1Processing fluid, set of processing fluid and ink, applying device, image forming device, applying method, and image forming method
Publication Date: 2022.09.08 RICOH CO LTD
  • US20220282107A1 patent drawing
  • US20220282107A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A processing fluid contains a resin having an amino group and an amine value of from 200 to 1,200 mgKOH/g and a polyvalent metal salt, wherein the proportion of the resin to the processing fluid is from 0.01 to 10 percent by mass and the processing fluid is applied to the fabric.