Ink Developer Voltage Control for Electrostatic Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ineffective cleaning processes in liquid electro-photography printing devices lead to adverse effects on print quality, such as ink adherence to non-conductive layers causing stains and preventing ink flow, due to sudden voltage shut-downs and mechanical cleaning methods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controlled voltage profile during the cleaning phase where voltages are progressively reduced and varied in a temporally disparate manner to electrostatically clean the developer roller, preventing ink transfer to the Photo Imaging Plate and ensuring complete ink removal without mechanical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If sudden voltage shut-down is used during cleaning, then power consumption is reduced, but ink adherence to non-conductive layers increases causing stains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by progressively reducing voltages to intermediate levels before complete shut-down. During the cleaning phase, voltages are first reduced to intermediate levels that maintain electrostatic cleaning effectiveness while preventing ink adherence, and only after cleaning is complete are voltages fully shut down. This preliminary progressive reduction eliminates ink stain problems while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static sudden voltage shut-down to dynamic progressive voltage reduction. The cleaning process uses multiple stages with progressively changing voltage levels, allowing the system to adaptively manage ink removal while preventing ink adherence to non-conductive layers, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy saving and stain prevention.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical cleaning methods are used, then ink removal is achieved, but ink flow is prevented and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning methods with an enhanced electrostatic cleaning system. Instead of using mechanical contact that can disrupt ink flow and damage the photoconductive layer, the invention uses controlled electrostatic fields with progressive voltage reduction to remove ink residues. This substitution maintains image quality while preventing harmful interference with ink flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying voltage levels during the cleaning process. By dynamically adjusting voltage parameters from operating levels to intermediate cleaning levels and finally to shut-down levels, the system achieves effective ink removal without mechanical contact, thereby preventing ink flow prevention and maintaining superior image quality.
3Device complexity
If voltages are reduced to zero immediately after printing, then device complexity is reduced, but ink remnants remain on the developer roller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the voltage shut-down process into distinct stages: operational voltage, intermediate cleaning voltage, and zero voltage. This segmented approach separates the cleaning function from the shut-down function, allowing effective ink removal during the intermediate stage before final power off. The segmentation maintains reliability while managing device complexity through structured control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through cyclic voltage modulation during cleaning. The system periodically adjusts voltages between intermediate levels and zero levels in a controlled sequence, creating rhythmic electrostatic fields that effectively remove ink remnants. This periodic voltage action enhances cleaning effectiveness while maintaining manageable device complexity through predictable cycling patterns.
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 enhances cleaning efficiency, reduces ink remnants on the developer roller, prevents stains, and maintains print quality by ensuring all ink is removed before mechanical cleaning, thereby improving the overall image quality.
Implementation Method 1
varying a plurality of voltages associated with movement of ink within the ink developer in a temporally offset manner
Implementation Method 2
Electro-photography printing forms an image on a substrate by selectively charging or discharging a photoconductive drum
Implementation Method 3
varying a plurality of voltages associated with movement of ink within the ink developer in a temporally offset manner to influence ink movement
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations provide a method of controlling an ink developer used in electro-photography; the method comprising, following cessation of printing, varying a plurality of voltages associated with movement of ink within the ink developer at temporally disparate times.