Dual Black Toner Imaging Stations for Speed and Finish Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic printing machines are uneconomical and slower for producing both multi-color and black-and-white prints, as they require different toners for color management and black-and-white printing, resulting in inefficient use of resources and differing image qualities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-color printing machine is equipped with two black toners in separate imaging stations, one for generating a glossy and one for a duller image, allowing for selective black-and-white printing without compromising color print quality, and enabling adjustable operating speeds and toner coverage based on print job requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional color-printing machine uses a single black toner for both color management and black-and-white printing, then the machine can perform both functions, but the operating speed decreases and the image quality cannot be optimized for both purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single black toner function into two separate toners: one dedicated to color management (process black) and another dedicated to black-and-white printing. This segmentation allows each toner to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the machine to achieve high-speed black-and-white printing without compromising color management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing machine is designed with multiple imaging stations that can selectively apply different toners based on the print job requirements. The system maintains universality by being capable of performing both color and black-and-white printing, while achieving optimal performance in each mode through the appropriate toner selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional color-printing machine uses a single black toner for both color management and black-and-white printing, then the machine structure remains simple, but the image quality cannot be optimized for both glossy color and matte black-and-white prints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different toner characteristics in different imaging stations. The first black toner is formulated for color management with properties suitable for glossy color prints, while the second black toner is formulated for black-and-white printing with properties optimized for matte text and graphics. Each toner has locally optimized properties for its specific application.
3Manufacturing precision
If a color-printing machine uses different black toners for color management and black-and-white printing, then the image quality for both purposes can be optimized, but the machine requires additional imaging stations or toner systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple imaging stations into a unified system where the print controller intelligently selects which imaging station to use based on the print job type. For black-and-white printing, it activates the imaging station with the second black toner; for color printing, it uses the imaging station with the first black toner. This merging approach maintains high image quality while reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Printing with the use of toner, in particular, for electrophotographic printing, wherein a printing machine set up for multi-color printing and includes several imaging stations or printing units is provided with at least two black toners in two imaging stations or printing units, one of said toners being suitable and provided for generating a duller printed image and one being suitable and provided for generating a glossier printed image, the printing of the duller printed image being at one speed and the printing of the glossier printed image being at a different speed.