Clear Liquid Ribs Prevent Substrate Wrinkling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital printing, the expansion and contraction of absorbent substrates due to moisture from inkjet printing lead to non-isotropic dimensional changes, causing wrinkles and flutes, which affect image quality, and existing methods to prevent this are costly and inefficient in using clear fluid.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the deposition of clear liquid in a linear, spaced apart pattern adjacent to the image on the substrate, forming clear liquid ribs that extend away from the image, allowing for uniform cross-track stretching without covering the entire substrate, thus reducing the amount of clear fluid used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clear fluid is deposited in large quantities to cover the entire substrate, then substrate wrinkling is prevented, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clear fluid application into segmented ribs rather than continuous coverage. Multiple spaced-apart ribs are deposited in the cross-track direction, creating discrete segments that collectively prevent wrinkling while using less fluid. This segmentation allows the substrate to be treated in zones rather than uniformly across the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies clear fluid locally at specific positions adjacent to the image area where wrinkling is most likely to occur, rather than uniformly across the entire substrate. The spaced-apart ribs are positioned strategically in high-risk zones, providing localized protection where needed while leaving other areas untreated, thus reducing overall fluid consumption.
2Reliability
If clear fluid is deposited in a continuous pattern covering the entire substrate, then wrinkling prevention is maximized, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous clear fluid pattern is replaced with segmented ribs deposited in spaced-apart positions. This segmentation reduces the total deposition time and area while maintaining effective wrinkling prevention at critical locations, thereby improving production efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying clear fluid excessively across the entire substrate, the patent uses partial action by depositing ribs only in specific zones adjacent to the image where wrinkling is most problematic. This partial application is sufficient to prevent wrinkles while reducing processing time and increasing productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If clear fluid is deposited adjacent to the image in spaced apart ribs, then clear fluid usage is reduced, but uniform substrate stretching may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances local quality by positioning clear fluid ribs specifically adjacent to the image area where dimensional changes and wrinkling are most likely to occur. The spaced-apart ribs are strategically located in zones experiencing the greatest stress during substrate expansion and contraction, providing targeted stabilization without requiring uniform coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The clear fluid ribs are deposited in advance of the substrate's dimensional changes, creating a preventive framework adjacent to the image. This preliminary action establishes a stabilizing structure before the substrate expands or contracts, helping to maintain dimensional stability in the critical image region without requiring excessive fluid application.
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
This approach effectively prevents substrate wrinkling while minimizing the use of clear fluid, enhancing image quality and reducing costs, making it more suitable for commercial digital printing applications.
Implementation Method 1
depositing a clear liquid on the print side of the substrate in a linear, spaced apart pattern adjacent an edge of the image for forming clear liquid ribs
Implementation Method 2
The continual change of dimensional characteristics of the receiver media can adversely affect image quality
Data Source
AI summary
A method for printing an image on a substrate, the method including providing a plurality of rollers for moving a substrate on which the images are printed; depositing a plurality of different colored inks on a print side of the substrate which forms the image; depositing a clear liquid on the print side of the substrate in a linear, spaced apart pattern adjacent an edge of the image for forming clear liquid ribs; wherein the clear liquid ribs extend away from the image, and the clear liquid is devoid in at least at a plurality of portions between the clear liquid ribs.