Ink Jet Recording Apparatus Liquid Absorbing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording methods face challenges with bleeding, beading, and excessive absorption by the recording medium, leading to issues like curing and cockling, which existing techniques such as thermal drying or liquid component removal using porous bodies struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet recording method and apparatus that involves forming a first image with a liquid and coloring material on a medium, followed by a liquid absorbing step using a porous body, and applying a third liquid composition containing a water-soluble resin and solvent to non-ink image regions to prevent adhesion and enhance viscosity, allowing stable liquid component absorption without thermal energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If thermal energy is used to dry the liquid component from the image, then the liquid component is effectively removed, but energy consumption increases and risk of curing or cockling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal drying system with a mechanical absorption system. A liquid-absorbing member (such as a porous roller or fabric) is brought into direct contact with the image on the transfer body, mechanically absorbing the liquid component through capillary action and adsorption. This substitution eliminates the need for thermal energy input while achieving effective liquid removal, preventing curing and cockling issues associated with heat treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-absorbing member acts as an intermediary between the image and the final dry state. This intermediary material (typically a porous substance with high liquid affinity) selectively absorbs the liquid component from the ink image without affecting the coloring material or binder. The intermediary enables liquid removal through physical contact and absorption mechanisms rather than thermal processes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a porous body is used to absorb the liquid component, then thermal energy is saved, but stable and repeatable absorption performance is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters of the liquid-absorbing member to ensure stable and repeatable performance. These parameters include pore size distribution, pore volume, material composition, surface area, and thickness. By carefully controlling these parameters, the absorbing member achieves consistent absorption capacity across multiple uses. The patent also optimizes the contact pressure and contact time between the absorbing member and the image to ensure reliable liquid removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-absorbing member is constructed from composite materials that combine different porous substances with complementary properties. This composite structure enhances both the absorption capacity and the mechanical durability of the member. The composite material formulation ensures that the absorbing member maintains its structural integrity and absorption performance over repeated use cycles.
3Quantity of substance
If the recording medium absorbs excessive liquid from the ink, then the liquid component is removed from the ink, but curing or cockling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a liquid component remover (such as a surfactant solution or solvent) to the image before the absorption step. This preliminary treatment modifies the surface properties of the ink image, making the liquid component more accessible and easier to remove. The preliminary action prevents excessive liquid absorption by the recording medium by pre-conditioning the ink image, thereby preventing curing and cockling during the subsequent absorption process.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-absorbing member serves as an intermediary that selectively removes liquid components without causing the harmful effects associated with direct recording medium absorption. The intermediary controls the rate and extent of liquid removal, preventing the conditions that lead to curing or cockling while still achieving sufficient liquid component reduction.
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 stabilizes liquid component absorption, reduces energy consumption compared to heat drying, and prevents image disturbances like curing and cockling, while maintaining high image quality and repeatable performance of the liquid absorbing member.
Implementation Method 1
a roller-like porous body is brought into contact with an ink image to absorb and remove the liquid component from the ink image
Implementation Method 2
a liquid-absorbing member including a porous body is brought into contact with the first image to allow the porous body to absorb at least some of the first liquid from the first image
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet recording method includes a step of forming a first image containing a first liquid and a coloring material on an ink receiving medium and a liquid absorbing step of bringing a liquid absorbing member including a porous body into contact with the first image to absorb at least some of the first liquid from the first image to form a second image.