Rubber Ink Passage Prevents Nozzle Clogging in Water-Based Ink-Jet Printers
Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet recording apparatuses face issues with insoluble materials from rubber members precipitating into water-based ink or preservation solutions, leading to nozzle clogging, especially when the ink has dynamic surface tension optimized for ejection stability and the preservation solution is optimized for wettability and replaceability.
Innovation Solution
The use of rubber members formed with a specific ratio of organic peroxide and zinc oxide as vulcanization agents, combined with a dynamic surface tension in the ink and preservation solution, reduces the precipitation of insoluble materials and enhances ejection stability and wettability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber members are used in the ink passage, then sealing and cleaning functions are provided, but additives from the rubber dissolve in the water-based ink or preservation solution and precipitate as insoluble materials causing nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the rubber material by specifying precise ratios of organic peroxide (2-3 parts by weight) and zinc oxide (4-5 parts by weight) as vulcanization agents per 100 parts by weight of rubber base polymer. This parameter optimization reduces the dissolution of additives into the water-based ink and preservation solution, thereby preventing precipitation and nozzle clogging while maintaining sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite rubber material system combining rubber base polymer with specific vulcanization agents (organic peroxide and zinc oxide) in optimized ratios. This composite material structure creates a more chemically stable rubber that resists additive dissolution in water-based environments, solving the contradiction between providing sealing function and preventing harmful precipitation.
2Reliability
If the ink composition is adjusted to achieve preferable dynamic surface tension for ejection stability, then ejection stability is improved, but the precipitation of insoluble materials from rubber members occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters of the rubber material (organic peroxide: 2-3 parts by weight, zinc oxide: 4-5 parts by weight per 100 parts rubber base polymer) to create a chemically stable rubber that does not precipitate insoluble materials even when the ink has adjusted composition for optimal dynamic surface tension. This allows the ink composition to be freely optimized for ejection stability without causing precipitation problems.
3Reliability
If the preservation solution composition is adjusted to achieve preferable dynamic surface tension for wettability and replaceability, then wettability and replaceability are improved, but the precipitation of insoluble materials from rubber members occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise compositional parameters for the rubber material (organic peroxide: 2-3 parts by weight, zinc oxide: 4-5 parts by weight per 100 parts rubber base polymer) that create chemical stability in water-based environments. This enables the preservation solution composition to be optimized for dynamic surface tension properties (wettability and replaceability) without causing precipitation of insoluble materials from the rubber members.
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
This approach effectively prevents the precipitation of insoluble materials, ensuring stable ink ejection and excellent wettability and replaceability, thereby maintaining the performance of the ink-jet recording apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber in which about 2 parts by weight to about 3 parts by weight of an organic peroxide and about 4 parts by weight to about 5 parts by weight of zinc oxide, each serving as a vulcanization agent, are employed per 100 parts by weight of a rubber base polymer
Implementation Method 2
the ink comprises at least a coloring agent, water and a water-soluble organic solvent, and has a dynamic surface tension at a lifetime of 100 ms of about 35 mN/m to about 45 mN/m... the preservation solution comprises at least water and a water-soluble organic solvent, and has a dynamic surface tension at a lifetime of 100 ms of about 30 mN/m to about 35 mN/m
Data Source
AI summary
The ink-jet recording apparatus has an ink passage into which a water based ink or a preservation solution is filled. The ink passage is formed from a rubber employing organic peroxide and zinc oxide as a vulcanization agent. The ink has a dynamic surface tension at a lifetime of 100 ms of about 35 mN/m to about 45 mN/m as measured by means of a maximum bubble pressure method at a measurement temperature of 25° C. The preservation solution has a dynamic surface tension at a lifetime of 100 ms of about 30 mN/m to about 35 mN/m as measured by means of a maximum bubble pressure method at a measurement temperature of 25° C.