Record Image Layer Stress Reduction via Segmented Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional record manufacturing methods result in image layers with internal stress, leading to cracks and reduced adhesion to the recording medium due to simultaneous resin softening and solvent removal, which causes internal stress in the image layer.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of gas to the image layer during the solvent-removing step, with a temperature range of 60°C to the heating step temperature, and a resin with a glass transition temperature between -30°C to 150°C, along with a protective layer formed using a solvent with a boiling point of 180°C or higher to prevent solvent evaporation and reduce internal stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the solvent is removed from the image layer during the heating step, then the image layer is formed, but internal stress is generated causing cracks and reducing adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage layer formationVSAvoidadhesion properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the manufacturing process into distinct stages: a heating step where the resin is heated to its glass transition temperature to soften it, and a subsequent solvent removal step. This segmentation allows the resin to be softened before solvent removal, preventing internal stress and cracks while maintaining adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary heating to the image layer before removing the solvent. By heating the resin to its glass transition temperature in advance, the resin becomes soft and flexible, which prevents the formation of internal stress and cracks during the subsequent solvent removal process, thereby maintaining adhesion properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the resin glass transition temperature is high, then the resin forms a stable film, but the adhesion to recording medium is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm stabilityVSAvoidadhesion to recording medium
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that the resin should have a glass transition temperature between -30°C and 150°C. This parameter optimization allows the resin to be sufficiently stable to form a durable film while remaining flexible enough to adhere properly to the recording medium. The specific temperature range balances film stability with adhesion properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If gas is applied to the image layer during solvent removal, then solvent removal efficiency is improved, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolvent removal efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs gas flow (pneumatic action) to enhance solvent removal from the image layer. By applying gas during the solvent removal step, the evaporation efficiency is improved, allowing for faster and more effective solvent removal without requiring complex additional equipment or processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 method effectively reduces internal stress in the image layer, enhancing adhesion properties and preventing cracks, resulting in records with excellent fastness and durability.

Implementation Method 1

an image layer is heated to a temperature not lower than a glass transition temperature of the resin contained in the ink

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGlass transition:

Implementation Method 2

an image layer is heated to a temperature not lower than a glass transition temperature of the resin contained in the ink, and a solvent is removed from the image layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP2772365B1Record and method for manufacturing record
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a record includes an image layer-forming step of forming an image layer by applying ink containing resin and a solvent A to a recording medium, a heating step of heating the image layer to a temperature not lower than the glass transition temperature of the resin, and a solvent-removing step of removing the solvent A from the image layer after the heating step.