Hard Imaging Device Non-Aqueous Carrier Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hard imaging devices face inefficiencies in forming high-quality images on various media types, particularly due to limitations in inkjet printing technologies which often require extensive drying processes and are constrained by the use of aqueous carriers, leading to power-intensive operations and restricted media compatibility.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hard imaging device utilizing an inkjet print head with a non-aqueous liquid carrier and a transfer member that receives and processes droplets of a liquid marking agent, where the liquid carrier is removed through a combination of physical and thermal processes, allowing for efficient transfer of ink particles to media, thereby enhancing image formation and expanding media compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If aqueous carriers are used in inkjet printing, then print quality can be achieved, but power consumption increases and media compatibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the liquid carrier from aqueous (water-based) to non-aqueous (solvent-based). This parameter change allows the liquid carrier to evaporate more quickly and efficiently, reducing the power needed for drying while expanding compatibility with various media types including glossy and coated surfaces.
2Manufacturing precision
If aqueous carriers are used in inkjet printing, then print quality can be achieved, but media compatibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the liquid carrier from aqueous (water-based) to non-aqueous (solvent-based). This parameter change allows the liquid carrier to evaporate more quickly and efficiently, reducing the power needed for drying while expanding compatibility with various media types including glossy and coated surfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive drying processes are used, then image quality can be improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the liquid carrier from aqueous (water-based) to non-aqueous (solvent-based). This parameter change allows the liquid carrier to evaporate more quickly and efficiently, reducing the power needed for drying while expanding compatibility with various media types including glossy and coated surfaces.
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 results in power savings, improved print quality, and the ability to use a wider range of media, including glossy and coated surfaces, while reducing strikethroughs and media expansion, making the process more efficient and commercially viable.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a print device to eject a plurality of droplets of a liquid marking agent corresponding to the image to be formed
Implementation Method 2
receiving the droplets of the liquid marking agent upon a transfer member; and after the receiving, transferring the ink particles of the droplets from the transfer member to media
Implementation Method 3
the liquid carrier is removed through a combination of physical and thermal processes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~4A
AI summary
Hard imaging device comprising: a print device to eject a plurality of droplets of a liquid marking agent, the droplets of the liquid marking agent individually comprising a plurality of ink particles within a non-aqueous carrier fluid; a control device to control the print device to eject the droplets of the liquid marking agent corresponding to an image to be formed; and a transfer member adjacent to the print device and to receive the droplets of the liquid marking agent ejected by the print device, wherein the transfer member (12) is to transfer the ink particles of the droplets from the transfer member to media to form a hard version of the image using the media; wherein the transfer member (12) includes a release layer (30), a soft layer (32) and a base layer (34) wherein the soft layer (32) has a lower resistivity than the release layer (30).