Ink-jet Electrification Adjusters for Charge Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet printing on high-insulation recording materials is affected by non-uniform electrification, leading to image noise due to uneven charge distribution, which influences ink droplet flight and landing, causing scumming and dot shape fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
An ink-jet recording apparatus with an electrification adjustment apparatus that uses a combination of first and second electrification adjusters with opposing polarities, controlled by DC power supplies, to uniformize charge distribution on the recording material, ensuring balanced electric fields and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single electrification adjuster is used to neutralize charges on the recording material, then the overall electrification level is reduced, but the non-uniformity of charge distribution remains unresolved, leading to image noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrification adjustment function into two separate adjusters: a first electrification adjuster that supplies charges of one polarity and a second electrification adjuster that supplies charges of opposite polarity. This segmentation allows independent control of positive and negative charge supply, enabling the system to address non-uniform charge distribution that a single adjuster cannot resolve. By positioning these adjusters at different locations (upstream and downstream), the system can selectively neutralize charges in different regions, thereby reducing electrification non-uniformity and improving image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different electrification adjustment characteristics to different regions of the recording material by positioning the first and second electrification adjusters at different locations along the conveyance path. The first adjuster (upstream) and second adjuster (downstream) create localized electric fields that can be independently controlled, allowing selective neutralization of charges in specific areas. This local quality approach ensures that regions with excessive positive charges receive negative charges from the second adjuster, while regions with excessive negative charges receive positive charges from the first adjuster, thereby achieving uniform charge distribution across the entire recording material surface.
2Strength
If high insulation recording materials are used, then material durability and weather resistance are improved, but frictional electrification and charge accumulation occur more severely during manufacturing and conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary electrification adjustment by positioning the first electrification adjuster upstream in the conveyance direction, before the recording material reaches the image formation section. This adjuster proactively supplies charges of one polarity to counteract charges generated during manufacturing and conveyance processes. By performing this charge neutralization earlier in the process, the system prevents charge accumulation from affecting subsequent printing operations, thereby maintaining image quality on durable high-insulation materials without compromising their inherent strength and weather resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electrification state of the recording material is detected and used to control the operation of the electrification adjusters. A detection device monitors the charge distribution on the recording material, and this information feeds back to the control device, which adjusts the charge supply from the first and second electrification adjusters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the electrification adjustment is dynamically optimized for each recording material, effectively counteracting charge accumulation while preserving the material's durability characteristics.
3Volume of moving object
If the recording material is thin, then the electrostatic capacity between the surface and back electrode is large, but this amplifies the effect of electrified charges, causing severe dot shape fluctuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotential conditions across the thin recording material by strategically positioning the first and second electrification adjusters on opposite sides of the material path. The first adjuster (upstream) and second adjuster (downstream) work together to balance the electric potential distribution, ensuring that the electric field lines are perpendicular to the recording material surface. This equipotential arrangement minimizes the amplification effect of electrified charges on thin materials, thereby reducing dot shape fluctuation and improving printing precision without requiring thicker material.
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 solution effectively suppresses electrification non-uniformity, reducing image noise and dot shape fluctuations, thereby enhancing the quality of ink-jet printed images by ensuring consistent ink droplet flight and landing.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrification adjuster (27) disposed to face the recording material (20) to be conveyed, which supplies a charge with one polarity
Implementation Method 2
a second electrification adjuster (28) disposed at a downstream side of the first electrification adjuster (27) in a conveying direction while facing the recording material (20), which supplies a charge with opposite polarity to the one polarity of the charge supplied by the first electrification adjuster (27)
Implementation Method 3
a first DC power supply for DC power supply to the first electrification adjuster, and a second DC power supply for DC power supply to the second electrification adjuster, which has a polarity opposite to the polarity of the first DC power supply
Data Source
AI summary
An ink-jet recording apparatus includes a first electrification adjuster and a second electrification adjuster. The first electrification adjuster disposed to face the recording material to be conveyed supplies a charge with one polarity. The second electrification adjuster disposed downstream the first electrification adjuster in the conveying direction to face the recording material supplies the charge with opposite polarity to that of the charge supplied by the first electrification adjuster so that the ink-jet image is formed at the downstream side of the electrification adjuster.