Inkjet Pre-Post Processing Liquid Application for Image Peeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet image forming apparatuses face issues with image peeling when the recording medium is grazed, due to differences in quality levels between preprocessed and postprocessed areas, and existing methods do not effectively control the application quantities of preprocess and postprocess liquids based on the type of ink or toner used.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes preprocessing and postprocessing units, which apply specific quantities of preprocess and postprocess liquids based on the type of ink or toner, optimizing the application and desiccation processes to enhance image quality and toughness, and prevent peeling by controlling the application quantities and desiccation intensities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If process liquid including insolubilizing or agglutinating ingredient is applied to the recording medium surface, then image quality is improved, but image peeling occurs when the surface is grazed by another object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image formation process into two distinct stages: pre-image formation application of a first process liquid (without insolubilizing/agglutinating ingredients) to ensure image toughness, and post-image formation application of a second process liquid (with insolubilizing/agglutinating ingredients) to enhance image quality. This segmentation allows each process liquid to perform its specific function without causing image peeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the first process liquid before image formation to preliminarily prepare the recording medium surface, ensuring that the image will have sufficient toughness and resistance to peeling. This preliminary action creates a stable base that prevents the peeling problem while allowing subsequent quality enhancement.
2Device complexity
If a single process liquid is applied to the recording medium, then the process is simple, but quality levels differ between preprocessed and postprocessed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different process liquids with different properties to the same recording medium at different stages: the first process liquid provides toughness and peeling resistance, while the second process liquid provides image quality enhancement. Each area receives the appropriate liquid for its specific requirement, achieving uniform high quality across the entire image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the process liquid between stages: the first process liquid lacks insolubilizing/agglutinating ingredients to prevent peeling, while the second process liquid contains these ingredients for quality enhancement. This parameter change allows the system to achieve both toughness and quality uniformity.
3Strength
If process liquid is applied before image formation, then image toughness is improved, but image quality suffers in postprocessed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by applying two complementary process liquids in sequence: the first process liquid establishes image toughness before formation, and the second process liquid enhances image quality after formation. This continuous two-stage approach ensures both toughness and quality are achieved throughout the entire image area without interruption or compromise.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus discharges ink onto a recording medium to form an image on a surface of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus includes a preprocessing unit that applies preprocess liquid on the surface of the recording medium before the image is formed; and a postprocessing unit that applies postprocess liquid, which is different from the preprocess liquid, onto the recording medium after the image is formed. An application quantity of the preprocess liquid is determined based at least on a kind of the ink, and an application quantity of the postprocess liquid is determined based at least on the kind of the ink.