UV Curable Ink Package Multilayer Bag Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
UV curable ink jet recording systems face challenges with ink bag durability and storage stability due to the solubility and swelling of plastic components with actinic radiation curable inks, leading to deformation, clogged nozzles, and reduced hardening sensitivity, along with issues of light shielding and adhesion, especially during long-term storage and handling.
Innovation Solution
A UV curable ink package with a multilayer bag structure incorporating a light shielding layer and an ink resistance layer, where the light shielding layer is composed of multiple layers including aluminum, and a heat sealing layer with polyethylene, and a protective layer of nylon or polyester, ensuring minimal weight change and preventing pinhole generation under mechanical deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional plastic members are used for ink bags, then cost is reduced and flexibility is improved, but ink resistance property deteriorates causing swelling and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multilayer composite structure consisting of a light shielding layer (aluminum foil) and an ink resistance layer (nylon or polyester). This composite material combines the advantages of different materials: aluminum provides light shielding and barrier properties, while nylon/polyester provide mechanical strength and resistance to UV curable ink swelling. The combination resolves the contradiction by achieving both cost-effectiveness and ink resistance without using expensive single-material solutions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If light shielding layer is added to prevent premature hardening, then light shielding property is improved, but adhesion strength deteriorates due to peeling at interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary adhesive layer between the light shielding layer (aluminum foil) and the ink resistance layer (nylon/polyester). This adhesive layer acts as a mediator that bonds the two layers together, preventing peeling and maintaining adhesion strength. The adhesive layer resolves the contradiction by enabling the light shielding layer to perform its function without compromising the structural integrity of the composite bag.
3Ease of operation
If flexible film material is used for ink bags, then ease of handling is improved, but pinholes are generated under vibration and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where the ink resistance layer (nylon or polyester) provides mechanical strength and pinhole resistance, while the light shielding layer (aluminum foil) provides barrier properties. The combination of these materials in a multilayer configuration maintains flexibility for easy handling while preventing pinhole formation during vibration and bending through the synergistic properties of the composite structure.
4Device complexity
If conventional single-layer structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sufficient light shielding and ink resistance cannot be achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multilayer composite structure with distinct functional layers: a light shielding layer for UV protection and an ink resistance layer for chemical resistance. This composite approach achieves the required performance levels for both light shielding and ink resistance that cannot be obtained with conventional single-layer structures, while keeping the overall design relatively simple through functional specialization of each layer.
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 provides long-term light shielding and ink resistance properties at a low cost, preventing swelling and pinhole formation, maintaining adhesion strength and light shielding effectiveness even under vibration and bending, thus enhancing storage stability and handling of UV curable ink.
Implementation Method 1
As a member having an ink resistance property and a light shielding property, there is considered an ink bag employing a metal such as SUS (Stainless Used Steel)... the light shielding layer is composed of not less than two layers... wherein the light shielding layer is composed of multiple layers including aluminum
Implementation Method 2
UV curable ink which is hardened by actinic radiation... radically polymerizable ink composed mainly of an acrylate monomer... cationic polymerization ink composed mainly of an epoxy monomer or an oxetane monomer
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide an ink package accompanied with an ink bag, that exhibits satisfactory light shielding and ink resistance properties maintaining for a long period of time at low cost against external factors such as vibration and bending, employed via a UV curable ink jet recording method. Disclosed is a UV curable ink package possessing a bag formed with a multilayer and a UV curable ink stored in the bag, wherein the multilayer contains a light shielding layer and an ink resistance layer having a weight changing rate of not more than 1% obtained via an immersion test, employing the UV curable ink that is to be stored in the bag.