Electrohydrodynamic Inkjet Printing Apparatus for High-Resolution Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inkjet printing technologies face limitations in resolution and flexibility, with conventional inkjets having a resolution limited to about 20 to 30 μm and a high possibility of cross-talking of ink droplets without patterned charges on the substrate, which hinders precise control of ink application and integration of nozzle arrays for high-speed applications.

Innovation Solution

The system employs an electrohydrodynamic method for inkjetting onto an imaging member surface using a development component with capillary openings, where an electric field is generated between the development component and the imaging member surface to electrohydrodynamically apply ink, allowing for precise control of ink deposition without physical contact, achieving resolutions better than 50 μm and enabling high-resolution printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional inkjet printing is used, then printing capability is achieved, but resolution is limited to 20-30 μm and cross-talking occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting resolutionVSAvoidcross-talking of ink droplets

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical inkjet ejection system with an electrohydrodynamic system that uses electric fields to control ink delivery. The development component uses electrostatic attraction to draw ink through capillary openings onto charged image areas, eliminating the mechanical nozzle system that causes cross-talking and resolution limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electric field as an intermediary between the development component and the imaging member surface. This electric field mediates the ink transfer process by attracting charged ink to charged image areas without requiring direct contact or close proximity, thereby preventing cross-talking and enabling higher resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If conventional inkjet printing is used, then ink application is achieved, but control of ink amount is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of ink amountVSAvoidink application control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control through the electric field interaction. The amount of ink transferred is automatically controlled by the electrostatic attraction between the charged development component and the charged image areas on the imaging member. The electric field strength and charge distribution provide inherent feedback that regulates ink delivery precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the controlling parameter from mechanical ejection force to electric field strength and charge distribution. By adjusting the electrical charge on the development component and imaging member surface, precise control over ink amount and placement is achieved without complex mechanical control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-contact development is used, then cross-talking is reduced, but imaging member surface must be spaced apart from development component

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-talking reductionVSAvoidspacing between development component and imaging member surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary charging to both the development component and the imaging member surface before ink transfer. This pre-establishment of electric fields allows the system to overcome the limitations of non-contact operation, maintaining effective ink transfer control even at larger spacing distances by using the pre-applied electrical charges to guide ink delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for accurate control of ink application with improved printing resolution and reduced cross-talking, enabling high-resolution printing with precise placement of ink droplets, surpassing the limitations of conventional inkjet printing.

Implementation Method 1

The systems and methods employ an electrohydrodynamic method for inkjetting onto an imaging member surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrohydrodynamics: Electrohydrodynamics

Implementation Method 2

depositing a uniform charge on an imaging member, i.e. photoreceptor, followed by exposing the imaging member to a light image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

exposing the imaging member to a light image causes discharge in areas corresponding to non-image areas of the original document

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9122205B2Printing apparatus and method using electrohydrodynamics

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

An imaging apparatus includes an imaging member having a surface, a development component that is not in physical contact with the imaging member, and a power source for generating an electric field between the imaging member surface and the development component. An ink is electrohydrodynamically transferred from the development component to the imaging member surface when the electric field is generated.