Image Formation Device Electrostatic Fixation Radiation Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing techniques face challenges in achieving high-quality image formation on non-absorbing substrates, such as flexible packaging materials, due to issues like bleeding and dot smearing, which are exacerbated by the need for mechanical liquid removal and prolonged drying times.
Innovation Solution
An image formation device that combines fluid ejection with electrostatic fixation and radiation-induced polymerization of a non-aqueous resin, allowing for chemical fixation of ink particles without mechanical liquid removal, thereby inhibiting lateral spreading and enhancing image quality and clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical liquid removal is used to prevent bleeding and smearing, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical liquid removal systems with a chemical fixation approach using radiation-curable resin. The resin is deposited with the ink particles and cured via radiation (UV, EB, or other radiation types) to chemically bind the ink particles to the substrate, eliminating the need for mechanical removal equipment and associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state of the resin from liquid to solid through radiation-induced polymerization. This parameter change (phase transition) allows the resin to transition from a mobile state that could cause smearing to a fixed state that prevents bleeding and smearing, thereby improving image quality without mechanical intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If prolonged drying time is used to ensure complete evaporation of liquid carrier, then image quality is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes radiation-induced phase transition of the resin from liquid to solid state. This rapid phase change occurs almost instantly upon radiation exposure, replacing the prolonged evaporative drying process. The resin cures to form a solid matrix that locks ink particles in place, achieving complete fixation without extended drying times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the thermal evaporation process (which requires prolonged drying time) with a radiation-curing process. The radiation energy directly polymerizes the resin, causing instantaneous solidification and ink particle fixation, thereby dramatically reducing the time required for complete liquid carrier removal and enabling high-speed printing.
3Manufacturing precision
If radiation fixation is used to chemically bind ink particles, then image clarity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs radiation with specific energy parameters (UV, EB, or other radiation types) that are optimized to cure the resin efficiently. By selecting appropriate radiation wavelengths and intensities, the process achieves complete resin polymerization and ink particle fixation with minimal energy input, balancing image clarity requirements with energy consumption constraints.
4Manufacturing precision
If non-aqueous resin is used to inhibit lateral spreading, then image resolution is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition of the resin system to use non-aqueous formulations with specific rheological properties. These resin parameters are selected to provide optimal viscosity and polymerization characteristics that prevent lateral spreading of ink particles during deposition and curing, thereby maintaining sharp image resolution without requiring additional processing steps.
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 enables high-quality image formation on non-absorbing substrates with reduced bleeding and smearing, minimizing drying time and energy consumption, while maintaining image clarity and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
the emitted radiation is to cause polymerization of the resin within the deposited droplets on the substrate, which is to increase a viscosity of the deposited droplets
Implementation Method 2
the emitted airborne charges are to electrostatically fix the ink particles of the deposited droplets relative to the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation device includes at least one frame portion supporting at least one emitter to emit airborne charges, at least one radiation element to emit radiation, and a fluid ejection device to deposit droplets of ink particles within a non-aqueous fluid carrier onto a substrate. Upon relative movement between the at least one frame portion and the substrate, the emitted airborne charges are to electrostatically fix, and the at least one radiation element is to emit radiation to cause at least further fixation of, the deposited particles relative to the substrate.