Charged Roller Ink Transfer via Electric Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing systems require intermediate rollers to transfer ink to substrates, which can be inefficient and limit the ability to print without a latent image on the roller surface.
Innovation Solution
A system where an electrically charged roller and an electrically grounded roller are used to create an electric field, allowing ink to migrate from the charged roller to the substrate without an intermediate roller, facilitated by a controller that adjusts the electric potential based on the substrate's dielectric coefficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intermediate rollers are used to transfer ink to substrates, then the transfer process is stable and controlled, but the system complexity increases and printing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate roller from the ink transfer system, extracting the problematic component that caused system complexity and efficiency losses. The direct transfer method eliminates the intermediate transfer step while maintaining functional performance through the use of an electric field to control ink migration from the developer roller directly to the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical intermediate roller transfer mechanism with an electric field-based direct transfer system. Instead of using mechanical contact through intermediate rollers, the invention uses electrostatic forces to migrate charged ink particles directly from the developer roller to the substrate, eliminating mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate rollers are used for ink transfer, then the transfer mechanism is well-established, but the ability to print without latent image on roller surface is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the intermediate roller component that limited printing versatility, enabling direct transfer from developer roller to substrate. This removal allows for printing without requiring a latent image on an intermediate photoreceptor surface, expanding the system's adaptability to different printing modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct transfer system enables the printing apparatus to perform multiple functions: it can print with latent images when needed, but also print without latent images by directly transferring from the developer roller. This multi-functionality increases system versatility while reducing mechanical complexity.
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
Enables efficient ink transfer directly to the substrate, allowing for uniform coverage and effective printing of backgrounds or images without the need for intermediate rollers, improving printing efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically charged roller and an electrically grounded roller are used to create an electric field, allowing ink to migrate from the charged roller to the substrate
Implementation Method 2
allowing ink to migrate from the charged roller to the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Some examples relate to printing apparatuses and methods. In an example, a roller transfers printing fluid to a substrate. In some examples an electrically grounded roller is positioned proximate the electrically charged roller and guides the substrate. In some examples, the roller is an electrically charged roller. In some examples an electric field is applied and its strength is varied based on a dielectric coefficient of the substrate and/or a thickness of the substrate.