Toner Microcapsule Depth Control for Fragrance and Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toners fail to maintain a fragrant scent for an extended period after the image forming process, and there is a risk of fogging and microcapsule exposure on the surface, which can lead to contamination and poor image quality.
Innovation Solution
A toner composition with a high percentage of microcapsules containing a fragrant material, where at least 60% of toner particles have microcapsules positioned within the surface to 1 μm depth, using a binder resin and specific encapsulation methods to ensure long-lasting fragrance emission and minimize surface exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If microcapsules are positioned close to the surface (within 1 μm depth) to enable fragrance emission, then fragrance emission effectiveness is improved, but microcapsule exposure and fogging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific spatial distribution of microcapsules within the toner particle structure. Microcapsules are positioned in the region from the surface to 1 μm in depth, which is a localized zone optimized for fragrance emission while maintaining overall particle integrity. This selective positioning ensures that microcapsules are close enough to the surface to emit fragrance effectively when the image is touched or rubbed, but not so exposed as to cause excessive fogging or contamination.
2Quantity of substance
If a high percentage of toner particles contain microcapsules (≥60%), then fragrance emission intensity is improved, but risk of contamination and image quality degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the ratio of toner particles containing microcapsules to be between 60% and 90% of the total toner particles. This specific parameter range balances fragrance emission intensity with image quality stability. By controlling this proportion, the patent ensures sufficient fragrant material content for effective emission while preventing excessive microcapsule exposure that would lead to fogging and contamination.
3Reliability
If microcapsules are embedded deep within toner particles, then fogging and exposure are reduced, but fragrance emission effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning microcapsules in the optimal depth region (surface to 1 μm) during toner particle formation. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the image is formed and subsequently touched or rubbed, the microcapsules are already in the ideal location to emit fragrance without requiring deep penetration or migration. The microcapsules are prepared in advance at the correct depth to balance emission effectiveness with exposure prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A toner includes a plurality of toner particles containing a binder resin and one or more microcapsules that contain a fragrant material. A ratio of a number of toner particles that contain at least one microcapsule in a region from a surface thereof to 1 μm in depth with respect to a total number of toner particles in the region is equal to or greater than 60%.