Dual Primer Layer Inkjet Apparatus Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photo-curable ink has poor fixability to non-ink-absorbing recording media, leading to insufficient adhesion between the primer layer and the recording medium, which can result in the primer layer being peeled off during printing.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording apparatus that forms a first primer layer on a recording medium and then a second primer layer on top of the first primer layer, enhancing adhesion, followed by the formation of an image-forming ink layer on the second primer layer to improve fixability and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If photo-curable ink is discharged onto a non-ink-absorbing recording medium, then printing can be performed on diverse materials, but adhesion between the ink layer and recording medium is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a primer layer as an intermediary substance between the photo-curable ink and the non-ink-absorbing recording medium. The primer discharge head applies primer onto the recording medium surface, creating a intermediate layer that enhances adhesion. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling the ink to adhere properly to diverse materials without compromising the versatility of printing on different substrates.
2Reliability
If a primer layer is formed on the recording medium, then adhesion is improved, but the primer layer may be peeled off due to insufficient bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by discharging primer onto the recording medium before applying the photo-curable ink. The primer discharge head pre-treats the surface by forming a primer layer that is specifically designed to bond with both the recording medium and the subsequent ink layer. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the ink is applied, proper adhesion is already established, preventing peeling during the printing process.
3Productivity
If photo-curable ink is used for rapid curing, then printing speed is improved, but fixability to non-ink-absorbing media is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The primer layer serves as a mediator that enables the photo-curable ink to achieve both rapid curing and proper fixability. The primer is specifically formulated to be compatible with non-ink-absorbing recording mediums while providing a surface that allows the photo-curable ink to adhere and cure effectively. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by maintaining the speed advantage of photo-curable ink while overcoming its poor fixability issue on diverse substrates.
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 enhanced adhesion between the primer layers and the recording medium improves the quality and fixability of the ink layer, reducing the likelihood of peeling and achieving high-quality printing.
Implementation Method 1
The light source applies light to the primer and the image-forming ink discharged onto the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a first controller to cause a primer discharge head to discharge, from its nozzle, primer onto a recording medium and then cause a first ultraviolet light applicator to apply ultraviolet light to the primer, thus forming a first primer layer on the recording medium; a second controller to cause the primer discharge head to discharge, from its nozzle, the primer onto the first primer layer and the recording medium and then cause a second ultraviolet light applicator to apply ultraviolet light to the primer, thus forming a second primer layer on the first primer layer and the recording medium; and a third controller to cause an ink discharge head to discharge, from its nozzle, image-forming ink onto the second primer layer and then cause the first ultraviolet light applicator to apply ultraviolet light to the image-forming ink, thus forming an ink layer on the second primer layer.