Water-Based Ink Formulation for Ejection Stability and Elution Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inks for ink-jet recording fail to simultaneously achieve good ejection stability, printing quality, light resistance, ozone resistance, and prevention of compound elution from the ink-jet recording apparatus materials into the ink, leading to potential nozzle clogging.

Innovation Solution

A water-based ink composition comprising a dye represented by a specific general formula, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, and an acetylene glycol surfactant, blended within specific weight percentage ranges to ensure optimal performance, including a coloring agent, water-soluble organic solvent, and acetylene glycol surfactant, which prevents compound elution and maintains ink stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ink formulations are used, then the ink can be manufactured with standard components, but the ink fails to simultaneously achieve good ejection stability, printing quality, light resistance, ozone resistance, and prevention of compound elution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection stabilityVSAvoidresistance to multiple degradation factors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite ink formulation combining multiple surfactants (acetylene glycol surfactant with specific HLB value 10-16, and alkyl polyglucoside surfactant) and multiple humectants (dipropylene glycol propyl ether and other polyols). This composite approach allows the ink to simultaneously achieve ejection stability, printing quality, light resistance, ozone resistance, and prevention of rubber compound elution, resolving the contradiction between reliability and multi-factor resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for ink components: acetylene glycol surfactant at 0.5-2.5 wt%, alkyl polyglucoside surfactant at 0.1-1.0 wt%, dipropylene glycol propyl ether at 1-3 wt%, and other polyols at 10-60 wt%. By optimizing these parameter ranges, the ink achieves simultaneous improvement in ejection stability, printing quality, and resistance to light, ozone, and rubber elution without compromising any single performance aspect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If conventional surfactants and solvents are used, then the ink formulation is simple, but the ink allows compound elution from rubber members and organic materials into the ink

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink formulation complexityVSAvoidcompound elution and deposition

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acetylene glycol surfactant and alkyl polyglucoside surfactant as intermediary substances that interact with rubber compounds and organic materials in the ink-jet apparatus. These surfactants prevent the elution of harmful compounds from rubber members (wiper, cap) and organic materials into the ink by forming protective interfaces, thereby reducing nozzle clogging while maintaining relatively simple ink formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If ink components are optimized for ejection stability, then ejection performance improves, but other performance aspects such as printing quality and resistance to degradation may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection stabilityVSAvoidprinting quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dipropylene glycol propyl ether and other polyols that serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as humectants to maintain ejection stability, as penetration promoters to improve printing quality, and as stabilizers to enhance light and ozone resistance. This multi-functionality allows the ink to achieve optimized ejection stability without compromising printing quality or degradation resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ink composition achieves improved ejection stability, printing quality, light resistance, and ozone resistance while preventing compound elution from the ink-jet recording apparatus materials, ensuring reliable and durable ink performance.

Implementation Method 1

an acetylene glycol surfactant comprises a surfactant represented by the following general formula (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

the water-soluble organic solvent comprises dipropylene glycol propyl ether

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHumectant:

Data Source

PatentUS8016928B2Water-based ink for ink-jet recording, ink cartridge and ink-jet recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2011.09.13 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A water-based ink for ink-jet recording includes a dye represented by the general formula (1); water; dipropylene glycol propyl ether (DPP); and a surfactant represented by the general formula (2). The dye, DPP, and the surfactant are blended so as to satisfy the conditions (A) and (B).(A) an amount of surfactant represented by general formula (2) relative to a total amount of the ink is in the range of about 0.5 wt % to about 2.5 wt %(B) an amount of DPP relative to a total amount of the ink is in the range of about 1 wt % to about 3 wt %.