Electrophoretic Printing Liquid Concentration via Developer Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for concentrating printing liquids in electro-photography devices are inefficient, with centrifuges being noisy and difficult to clean, and electrode-based systems experiencing unstable flow and non-uniform concentration, leading to lower than desired non-volatile solid concentrations and high maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing multiple developer units and squeegee units to concentrate printing liquids on a conveyor, applying electrical and mechanical forces to separate non-volatile solids from liquid carriers, achieving higher concentrations and throughputs with improved uniformity and ease of maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If centrifuges are used to concentrate printing liquids, then concentration is achieved, but the device becomes noisy and difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-volatile solid concentrationVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the centrifugal mechanical separation system with an electrophoretic system using charged particles and electric fields. Printing liquid components are separated based on their electrical charges rather than centrifugal force, eliminating the need for complex centrifugal mechanisms that are difficult to clean and maintain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the separation mechanism from mechanical (centrifugal force) to electrical (electrophoretic mobility). By applying electric fields and utilizing the charged nature of printing liquid components, the system achieves concentration without the mechanical complexity of centrifuges, improving ease of operation and cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If electrode-based systems are used to concentrate printing liquids, then concentration is achieved, but flow becomes unstable and concentration uniformity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-volatile solid concentrationVSAvoidconcentration uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a developer unit as an intermediary component that prepares and conditions the printing liquid before concentration. This unit ensures uniform distribution of charged particles and stabilizes the liquid flow, preventing the instability and non-uniformity problems associated with direct electrode-based concentration methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through the developer unit that monitor and adjust the printing liquid properties before concentration. This feedback control ensures stable flow conditions and uniform concentration distribution, addressing the precision problems of earlier electrode-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If centrifuges are used to concentrate printing liquids, then concentration is achieved, but maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-volatile solid concentrationVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical centrifugal separation systems with simpler electrophoretic separation using electric fields and charged particles. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts that require maintenance, reducing maintenance costs while achieving the same concentration function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrophoretic concentration system utilizes the inherent electrical charges of the printing liquid components for separation, requiring no external mechanical intervention or complex maintenance. The system essentially uses the properties of the material being processed to perform the separation, minimizing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system achieves higher non-volatile solid concentrations and throughputs with stable and uniform flow, reducing waste and maintenance costs, and allowing for precise control over concentration and throughput.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10503101B2Printing liquids concentration

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 HP INDIGO BV

AI summary

An example apparatus includes a conveyor. The apparatus also includes a first developer unit. The first developer unit is to concentrate first printing liquid. The first developer unit also is to deliver the first printing liquid to the conveyor. The apparatus also includes a second developer unit. The second developer unit is to concentrate second printing liquid. The second developer also is to deliver the second printing liquid to the conveyor to form a thick layer of printing liquid comprising the first and second printing liquid.