Ink-Based Digital Printing Imaging and Transfer Member Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Related art ink-based digital printing systems using high power lasers are costly and limited by print speeds due to stringent design requirements for the imaging member, including costly reimageable surfaces that must absorb light energy and meet various interaction and texture requirements for dampening fluid and ink.
Innovation Solution
The system divides imaging plate functionality between an imaging member and a transfer member, where the imaging member receives a dampening fluid layer and absorbs laser energy to form a pattern, which is then transferred to the transfer member, allowing for reduced material costs and improved print speed by alleviating the need for a costly, IR-absorptive surface on both members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high power laser is used for laser patterning, then image production capability is achieved, but system cost increases and print speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into two separate members: an imaging member that receives dampening fluid and absorbs laser energy, and a transfer member that receives the dampening fluid image and ink. This segmentation allows the imaging member to be optimized for laser absorption while the transfer member is optimized for image transfer, enabling higher print speeds without sacrificing image production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The requirement for costly IR-absorptive materials is extracted from the transfer member and concentrated only in the imaging member. This allows the transfer member to use less expensive materials while maintaining the necessary laser patterning functionality through the imaging member's specialized surface
2Use of energy by moving object
If an imaging member with IR-absorptive surface is used, then laser energy absorption is achieved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system separates the IR absorption function to only the imaging member, allowing this expensive functional requirement to be concentrated in one component rather than distributed across multiple components, thereby reducing overall material costs
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening fluid image is transferred from the imaging member to a separate transfer member, creating a copy of the image that can then be inked and printed. This copying process allows the expensive IR-absorptive imaging member to be reused repeatedly without direct contact with ink or substrate
3Reliability
If stringent design requirements are imposed on the imaging member, then image production quality is maintained, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality between two members with specialized roles: the imaging member handles laser absorption and dampening fluid interaction with optimized surface properties, while the transfer member handles image transfer and ink reception. This segmentation allows each member to have simpler, more focused design requirements rather than one member needing to satisfy all constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening fluid image acts as an intermediary between the laser-imaged imaging member and the ink application process. This intermediary allows the imaging member to be optimized for laser interaction while the transfer member is optimized for ink transfer, reducing the complexity requirements for any single component
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 reduces the risks and costs associated with developing imaging member materials while enhancing image quality and print speed, and minimizing waste by decoupling the requirements for IR absorption and surface texture between the two members.
Implementation Method 1
selectively evaporating portions of the dampening fluid layer to form a dampening fluid image
Implementation Method 2
laser imager configured to expose a layer of dampening fluid on the imaging member to a laser beam
Implementation Method 3
imaging member configured to receive a layer of dampening fluid, and configured to absorb light energy emitted by a laser imager
Data Source
AI summary
Ink-based digital printing systems useful for ink printing include an imaging member configured to receive a layer of dampening fluid, and configured to absorb light energy emitted by a laser imager; and a transfer member configured to receive ink, the transfer member and the imaging member forming a dampening fluid image loading nip. Systems include a dampening fluid metering system configured to form a uniform layer of dampening fluid onto a surface of the imaging member, and a laser imager, the laser imager configured to expose a layer of dampening fluid on the imaging member to a laser beam for selectively evaporating portions of the dampening fluid layer to form a dampening fluid image. Systems may include the transfer member being configured to receive a dampening fluid image from a surface of the imaging member at the dampening fluid image loading nip.