Inkjet Border Accelerator for Image Bleeding Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image printing methods, such as those using inkjet printers, suffer from a 'bleeding' effect at the border regions of image elements due to ink spreading, especially when printing multicolor images, which results in vague or blurry images, and current solutions like UV curing require expensive and complex UV radiation control systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the selective jetting of an accelerator composition at the border regions of image elements, followed by a treatment step using UV radiation or heat to fixate the ink, preventing bleeding without curing the entire image, utilizing a printer with ejection units for ink and accelerator composition and a treatment unit for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If UV radiation is applied to cure the entire image element, then the bleeding effect is prevented, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase due to requiring UV radiation sources and control units capable of radiating individual ink droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a border treatment composition selectively only at the border regions of image elements where bleeding occurs, rather than treating the entire image element. This localized application prevents bleeding at critical areas while avoiding unnecessary treatment of other regions, thereby reducing the required UV radiation dosage and simplifying the radiation control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the image element into distinct regions: border regions requiring treatment to prevent bleeding, and interior regions that do not require treatment. This segmentation allows the UV radiation system to target only specific areas, reducing overall radiation requirements and control complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If UV radiation is applied to cure the entire image element, then the bleeding effect is prevented, but the manufacturing cost increases due to expensive UV radiation sources and control units
Solution Approach 1:
By applying the border treatment composition selectively at border regions rather than uniformly across the entire image element, the patent reduces the total amount of UV radiation required. This localized approach enables the use of lower-cost UV radiation sources and simplifies control unit requirements, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies treatment only to the extent necessary - specifically at border regions where bleeding occurs - rather than applying full treatment to the entire image element. This partial action approach reduces material and energy consumption, leading to lower manufacturing costs.
3Productivity
If ink droplets are jetted onto the print medium, then the image is created, but the ink spreads and flows into neighboring ink droplets causing bleeding at border regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the border treatment composition to the border regions of image elements before the ink fully dries or cures. This preliminary action creates a protective barrier at the borders that prevents subsequent ink spreading and bleeding, thereby maintaining image clarity while allowing efficient image creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The border treatment composition acts as an intermediary substance between the ink droplets at border regions and the surrounding areas. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact and mixing between neighboring ink droplets, thereby preventing bleeding while allowing the image creation process to proceed efficiently.
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
Effectively fixes the border regions of image elements, preventing ink bleeding in a simple and cost-effective manner, ensuring clear image formation without affecting the rest of the image, using a printer configured with ejection and treatment units for precise activation.
Implementation Method 1
applying a treatment step to the created image element thereby activating the accelerator composition to fixate the border region of said image element. The treatment unit may be a source of electromagnetic radiation suitable for activating the accelerator. Said source may be, for instance, a UV radiation source such as a UV lamp.
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, when the accelerator composition may be activated by for instance heat, the treatment unit may be a heating source such as a heater.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for printing an image using an ink to prevent bleeding of border region of an image element by applying an accelerator composition at the border region and applying a treatment step to the image element to fixate the border region of said image element.