Refillable Ink Composition for Stable Inkjet Ejection Under Air Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording devices face challenges in maintaining ejection stability due to the formation of air bubbles in the ink composition, particularly when the ink container shape increases the area of contact with air, leading to frequent cartridge exchanges and instability in ink ejection.
Innovation Solution
An ink composition with a surface tension of 22 to 30 mN/m, containing a disperse dye and at least one silicon-based or fluorine-based surfactant, is used in an ink container with an ink inlet for refilling, and a nozzle hole design that reduces cross-sectional area discontinuously, facilitating rapid air bubble removal and improved ejection stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the cartridge size is increased to reduce exchange frequency, then the cartridge can be refilled more times, but the area of contact between ink composition and air increases, causing more gas dissolution and air bubble formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface tension parameter of the ink composition by adding specific surfactants (silicon-based or fluorine-based) to reduce gas dissolution from air contact. The surface tension is controlled within 22-30 mN/m to optimize the balance between preventing air bubble formation and maintaining ejection performance, thereby allowing larger cartridge sizes without proportionally increasing air bubble issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite surfactant systems combining silicon-based surfactants and fluorine-based surfactants with dispersants and other additives to create an ink composition that resists gas dissolution while maintaining proper flow and ejection characteristics. This composite approach addresses the air bubble problem without requiring smaller cartridge sizes.
2Reliability
If a deaeration mechanism is provided in the inkjet recording device, then air bubbles can be removed from the ink composition, but the device size increases and installation area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deaeration function from the inkjet recording device by formulating the ink composition itself to resist gas dissolution and promote air bubble removal through surfactant action. The ink composition actively removes air bubbles without requiring external deaeration mechanisms, thereby maintaining ejection stability while avoiding increased device size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink composition performs self-deaeration through the action of surfactants that reduce gas dissolution and facilitate air bubble formation and removal. The system is self-sufficient in removing air bubbles without requiring additional deaeration equipment, thus maintaining reliability while keeping the device compact.
3Quantity of substance
If the ink container is refilled from the outside, then the ink composition easily comes in contact with air, but increasing refill capability is necessary for larger cartridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface tension parameter of the ink composition within 22-30 mN/m using surfactants to reduce the solubility of gas in the ink. This allows the ink to be refilled multiple times from the outside without proportionally increasing gas dissolution and air bubble formation, thereby supporting larger ink capacities while maintaining ejection stability.
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 removes air bubbles from the ink composition, ensuring stable ink ejection and reducing the frequency of cartridge exchanges, thereby enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the inkjet recording process.
Implementation Method 1
the ink composition having a surface tension of 22 to 30 mN/m
Data Source
AI summary
An ink composition is held in an ink container that is provided with an ink inlet through which the ink container can be refilled with the ink composition, and is used in a state in which the ink container is fitted into an inkjet recording device that includes a recording head having a nozzle hole that ejects the ink composition, the ink composition including a disperse dye, and at least one of a silicon-based surfactant and a fluorine-based surfactant, the ink composition having a surface tension of 22 to 30 mN/m.