Image Forming Apparatus Pre-coating Liquid Gas-Liquid Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in enhancing the fixing property of images onto recording media, as the solvent and resin interaction at the gas-liquid interface is inefficient, leading to suboptimal adhesion and image transfer.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that involves coating an intermediate transfer body with a pre-coating liquid and then with ink containing a solvent and resin, where the resin is deposited at the gas-liquid interface and heated, ensuring effective adhesion and transfer of the image onto the recording medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the recording medium is coated with solvent and resin from ink, then the image is formed on the recording medium, but the solvent and resin interaction at the gas-liquid interface is inefficient, leading to poor adhesion and image transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pre-coating liquid as an intermediary substance between the solvent and resin. This pre-coating liquid is applied to the intermediate transfer body before the ink coating, creating a controlled gas-liquid interface that enhances the interaction between solvent and resin. The pre-coating liquid acts as a mediator that facilitates more effective solvent-resin interaction, thereby improving image adhesion and fixing properties without complicating the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the pre-coating liquid to the intermediate transfer body in advance, before the ink containing solvent and resin is coated. This preliminary action prepares the surface and creates optimal conditions for subsequent solvent-resin interaction at the gas-liquid interface. By performing this preparatory step beforehand, the system ensures more efficient interaction during the actual image formation process, improving image fixing without adding complexity to the overall manufacturing
2Reliability
If the absorbing roller absorbs and removes the solvent from the recording medium, then the solvent is removed, but the resin adhesion and image transfer quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the pre-coating liquid to the intermediate transfer body before coating with ink containing resin. This preliminary action ensures that when the solvent and resin interact at the gas-liquid interface, the resin can adhere more effectively to the pre-coated surface. The pre-coating liquid prepares the surface in advance to receive and bond with the resin, improving adhesion quality before the absorbing roller removes the solvent
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-coating liquid serves as an intermediary layer between the intermediate transfer body and the resin. This intermediary layer enhances the bonding between the resin and the transfer body surface, ensuring better adhesion. When the absorbing roller subsequently removes the solvent, the resin remains firmly adhered to the transfer body, maintaining image transfer efficiency and quality
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 described solution significantly improves the fixing property of images on recording media by ensuring the resin is deposited and heated at the gas-liquid interface, resulting in enhanced adhesion and improved image transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the pre-coating liquid and the solvent to deposit the resin at a gas-liquid interface on the intermediate transfer body
Implementation Method 2
a heater to heat the resin deposited at the gas-liquid interface on the intermediate transfer body
Implementation Method 3
The absorbing roller is pressed against the recording medium, and the solvent on the recording medium is absorbed and removed from the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer body, a first coating device to coat the intermediate transfer body with a pre-coating liquid, a second coating device to coat the intermediated transfer body coated with the pre-coating liquid with an ink containing a solvent and a resin dissolved in the solvent, in which the resin includes a coloring material, and to mix the pre-coating liquid and the solvent to deposit the resin at a gas-liquid interface on the intermediate transfer body, and a heater to heat the resin deposited at the gas-liquid interface on the intermediate transfer body.