End Cap Film for Liquid Photographic Printer

Solution Overview

Problem

In liquid electrophotographic printing, the accumulation of solid components on the inner surfaces of developer unit end caps can lead to printing fluid instability, clogging, and difficulties in cleaning and recycling, as these components may suddenly release and affect the composition of the printing fluid.

Innovation Solution

Applying a film with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a low surface energy layer to the inner surfaces of the end caps, which reduces the accumulation of printing fluid components by preventing them from adhering, making it easier to clean and recycle the end caps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the inner surfaces of end caps are left bare, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but solid components accumulate on the surface causing printing fluid instability and clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting fluid stabilityVSAvoidend cap structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A thin film is applied to the inner surface of the end cap to prevent accumulation of solid components. The film acts as a barrier between the printing fluid and the end cap surface, eliminating the harmful accumulation effect while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The film serves as an intermediary layer between the printing fluid and the end cap. It mediates the interaction by providing a surface that prevents adhesion of solid components, thus protecting the printing fluid from contamination while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the inner surfaces of end caps are left bare, then manufacturing is simple, but cleaning and recycling become difficult due to accumulation of printing fluid components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidend cap manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The thin film coating on the end cap inner surface prevents solid components from adhering, making the surface easy to clean. The film itself can be removed and replaced, simplifying the cleaning and recycling process while adding a simple manufacturing step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The film is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. When it becomes contaminated or worn, it can be removed and replaced with a new film, avoiding the need to clean or refurbish the entire end cap, thus simplifying maintenance and recycling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a film is applied to the inner surfaces of end caps, then accumulation of printing fluid components is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccumulation of solid componentsVSAvoidend cap structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A thin film is applied to the inner surface of the end cap to prevent accumulation of solid components. The film acts as a barrier between the printing fluid and the end cap surface, eliminating the harmful accumulation effect while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The film serves as an intermediary layer between the printing fluid and the end cap. It mediates the interaction by providing a surface that prevents adhesion of solid components, thus protecting the printing fluid from contamination while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 film effectively prevents the accumulation of printing fluid components on the end caps, reducing the risk of clogging and facilitating the recycling process by ensuring the end caps remain clean and functional.

Implementation Method 1

a low surface energy layer to be exposed to liquid photographic printing fluid during printing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow surface energy: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

a pressure sensitive adhesive layer applied to a portion of an inner surface of an end cap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-sensitive adhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11385573B1End caps and films

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Examples include an end cap system for a developer unit in a liquid photographic printer. The end cap system includes an end cap and a film that includes a first outermost superficial layer and a second outermost superficial layer opposed to the first outermost superficial layer. The first outermost superficial layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive layer applied to a portion of an inner surface of the end cap. The second outermost superficial layer is a low surface energy layer to be exposed to liquid photographic printing fluid during printing.