Solid Ink Refill for Writing Tools Using Trimethylolpropane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water-based ink compositions used in writing instruments are prone to drying out due to water's volatility, leading to issues with cap-off times and stability.
Innovation Solution
A solid ink composition comprising trimethylolpropane, polyethylene glycol, and a humectant, which can be dissolved in water to form a water-based ink, maintaining excellent cap-off times without altering the ink's coloring or marking properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water-based ink composition is used in writing instruments, then the ink can be easily diluted and dispersed by adding water, but the ink is prone to drying out due to water's volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the ink from liquid to solid by using trimethylolpropane as the base material instead of water. This parameter change (from aqueous to non-aqueous solid ink) eliminates the volatility issue while maintaining the ability to be diluted when needed for writing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts water from the ink composition entirely, replacing it with trimethylolpropane as the base material. This extraction of the volatile component (water) eliminates the drying out problem while the ink retains its functionality through the solid-state storage medium.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solid ink composition is used to refill writing instruments, then the ink can be stored in a compact form and diluted virtually anywhere, but the ink may have poor cap-off times and drying issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses trimethylolpropane with specific molecular weight parameters (3000-7500 g/mol) to achieve the right balance between solid-state stability and liquid-state flow properties. This parameter optimization ensures excellent cap-off times while maintaining portability and ease of refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solid ink composition combining trimethylolpropane with coloring agents and optional humectants. This composite material provides both the portability benefits of solid ink and the performance characteristics of stable, non-drying ink with excellent cap-off times.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional water-based ink is used, then the ink can be easily diluted with water, but the ink suffers from volatility and drying out issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts water from the ink system entirely and replaces it with trimethylolpropane. This elimination of water removes the harmful volatility and drying out characteristics while the ink remains easily dilutable with water when needed for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses trimethylolpropane as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between solid-state storage stability and liquid-state usability. It allows the ink to be stored compactly as a solid yet diluted easily with water for writing, without the harmful effects of water-based formulations.
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 solid ink composition provides a stable and efficient way to refill writing instruments, ensuring the ink remains usable for extended periods without drying out, with improved dispersion stability and reduced exudation, while maintaining color consistency when diluted with tap or demineralized water.
Implementation Method 1
water-based inks comprising trimethylolpropane are endowed with excellent cap-off times
Implementation Method 2
The solid ink composition may be dissolvable or dispersible in water under formation of a homogeneous aqueous mixture
Implementation Method 3
The solid ink composition may further comprise a humectant. The humectant may be a water-soluble alcohol
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to writing instruments which are charged with a water-based ink composition comprising trimethylolpropane. The present disclosure also relates to a solid ink composition which may be used to refill the rechargeable writing instrument. The solid ink composition itself is a concentrate of the water-based ink composition and can be diluted by the user with e.g. water to produce the aforementioned water-based ink composition. The present disclosure further relates to methods of producing the solid ink composition and the water-based ink composition as well as to various uses thereof.