Print Medium Fixer Fluid Patterned Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of a fixer fluid in printing systems to address ink or pigment migration can result in a reduction in gloss and increased fluid evaporation, leading to suboptimal printed image quality.
Innovation Solution
Applying the fixer fluid in a predetermined pattern, such as a non-periodic Voronoi grid, to form cells that isolate ink defects while minimizing the amount of fixer fluid used, thereby reducing the negative effects on gloss and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a uniform layer of fixer fluid is applied to the print medium, then ink or pigment migration defects are reduced, but gloss of the printed image is reduced and total fluid vehicle to be evaporated is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The fixer fluid application is segmented from a uniform continuous layer into a non-uniform patterned distribution. The pattern includes regions with fixer fluid and regions without fixer fluid, creating a segmented approach that reduces overall fluid usage while maintaining defect prevention in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the print medium receive different treatments regarding fixer fluid application. Some areas receive fixer fluid to prevent migration defects, while other areas receive no fixer fluid to maintain gloss. This local differentiation optimizes both defect prevention and image quality.
2Reliability
If a uniform layer of fixer fluid is applied to the print medium, then ink or pigment migration defects are reduced, but total amount of fluid vehicle to be evaporated is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The fixer fluid application is segmented from a uniform continuous layer into a non-uniform patterned distribution. The pattern includes regions with fixer fluid and regions without fixer fluid, creating a segmented approach that reduces overall fluid usage while maintaining defect prevention in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying fixer fluid uniformly across the entire print medium, the invention applies fixer fluid only in specific regions where it is most needed for preventing migration defects. This partial action approach reduces the total amount of fluid vehicle that must be evaporated.
3Loss of substance
If fixer fluid is applied in a non-uniform pattern, then amount of fixer fluid used is reduced and gloss is maintained, but coverage for preventing ink migration may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the print medium receive different treatments regarding fixer fluid application. Some areas receive fixer fluid to prevent migration defects, while other areas receive no fixer fluid to maintain gloss. This local differentiation optimizes both defect prevention and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern of fixer fluid application is designed based on feedback about where migration defects are most likely to occur. The non-uniform pattern strategically places fixer fluid in regions that require it while leaving other regions untreated, achieving both reduced fluid usage and adequate coverage where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing method and system include a printhead configured to eject a fixer fluid. A controller is operatively connected to the printhead and configured to control the printhead so as to apply the fixer fluid to a print area in a pattern to form cells having a predetermined area without the fixer fluid.