Recording Medium Substrate With Stretched Film Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recording media struggle to achieve high image clarity and texture of paper simultaneously, while also preventing bronzing phenomena and image blurring under high humidity.

Innovation Solution

A recording medium substrate with a base paper and a stretched film layer, where the stretched film layer has a thickness of 70 µm or more and an average surface roughness of 0.3 µm or less, combined with an ink receiving layer structure containing alumina hydrate and hydroxy acid in the first layer and alumina hydrate and sulfonic acid in the second layer, to improve image clarity and density while suppressing bronzing and blurring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a substrate of paper mainly containing cellulose is used, then the texture of paper is achieved, but image clarity is insufficient due to irregularities caused by the texture of paper

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture of paperVSAvoidimage clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is divided into two distinct layers: a base paper layer providing the desired texture and a stretched film layer providing smoothness. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between texture and image clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate combines two different materials (cellulose-based paper and stretched film) into a composite structure. The base paper layer maintains the natural texture while the stretched film layer provides a smooth surface for high image clarity, achieving both previously conflicting properties through material composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If a substrate of plastic film such as a polyester film is used, then high image clarity is achieved due to smoothness, but the texture of paper is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage clarityVSAvoidtexture of paper
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate structure separates the functions of image clarity and paper texture into different layers. The stretched film layer provides the smooth surface needed for high image clarity, while the base paper layer independently provides the desired paper texture, allowing both properties to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By creating a composite substrate with a stretched film layer over a base paper layer, the invention combines the smoothness of plastic film with the texture of paper, achieving both high image clarity and authentic paper texture simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the application quantity of the coating liquid is reduced to prevent cracks, then crack occurrence is prevented, but image blurring under high humidity and bronzing phenomenon may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrack preventionVSAvoidimage blurring and bronzing phenomenon
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ink receiving layer is divided into multiple layers with different compositions and properties. The first layer (closer to substrate) and second layer (outer layer) have distinct characteristics that work together to prevent cracks while avoiding image blurring and bronzing, allowing each layer to optimize for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-layer ink receiving layer uses composite material structures where each layer contains specific binders and inorganic particles. This composite approach allows the system to maintain structural integrity (preventing cracks) while controlling ink absorption and drying characteristics to prevent blurring and bronzing phenomena.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Manufacturing precision

If two or more ink receiving layers are used to improve image quality, then image density is enhanced, but the structure and composition become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage densityVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each ink receiving layer is designed with specific local properties: the first layer contains particular binders and inorganic particles optimized for one function, while the second layer has different compositions optimized for another function. This localized optimization achieves high image density without requiring excessive layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using many thin layers, the invention employs two substantially thick layers (each 5 µm or more) with carefully controlled compositions. This partial action approach achieves the desired image density with a manageable two-layer structure rather than requiring multiple thinner layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 enhances image clarity and maintains paper texture, while preventing bronzing and image blurring under high humidity, achieving high image density and improved handling properties.

Implementation Method 1

a stretched film layer, where the stretched film layer has a thickness of 70 µm or more and an average surface roughness of 0.3 µm or less

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical stretching: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3482965B1Recording medium substrate and recording medium
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 CANON KK

AI summary

A recording medium substrate in an aspect of the present invention is a recording medium substrate having a base paper and a stretched film layer on the base paper, wherein the stretched film layer has a thickness of 70 µm or more, and the recording medium substrate has an average surface roughness of 0.3 µm or less. A recording medium in another aspect of the present invention includes a recording medium substrate, a first ink receiving layer on the recording medium substrate, and a second ink receiving layer on the first ink receiving layer, wherein the first ink receiving layer is in contact with the second ink receiving layer, the first ink receiving layer contains an alumina hydrate and a hydroxy acid, the second ink receiving layer contains an alumina hydrate and a sulfonic acid.