Inkjet Recording Temperature Control for Media Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording methods face issues with deformation and condensation on non-absorbent or poorly absorbent recording media due to rapid temperature changes, which degrade image quality and rub fastness.
Innovation Solution
A recording method that controls the surface temperature of the recording medium within a predetermined range after ink application, using a primary drying temperature of 30°C-38°C and a secondary drying temperature of 60°C-150°C, with a temperature variation of -40% to 370% relative to the primary drying temperature, to prevent dimensional changes and ensure proper ink drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the recording medium is rapidly heated in the drying oven after printing, then the ink can be dried quickly, but the recording medium deforms and warps due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary cooling action by introducing cooled air or gas to the recording medium immediately after printing, before the medium enters the drying oven. This pre-cooling step reduces the temperature differential that causes thermal expansion and deformation during subsequent heating, while still allowing efficient ink drying in the oven.
2Temperature
If the recording medium is cooled rapidly on the transport path, then the medium can be prepared for drying, but condensation forms on the surface degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by monitoring the temperature of the recording medium during transport and adjusting the cooling air flow rate accordingly. When the medium temperature approaches the dew point, the cooling flow is reduced or stopped, preventing condensation while maintaining effective temperature control for subsequent drying.
3Reliability
If the surface temperature variation is large during drying, then the ink can be dried thoroughly, but energy is wasted and the process becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic temperature control by continuously adjusting the heating power and air flow rate during the drying process based on real-time temperature measurements. The system transitions from high-intensity heating at the start to lower-intensity maintenance heating as the ink dries, ensuring complete drying while minimizing energy consumption during later stages.
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 method improves image quality and rub fastness by preventing deformation and ensuring efficient ink drying, while also conserving energy by minimizing heat waste.
Implementation Method 1
primarily drying the recorded medium by increasing the surface temperature of the recorded medium to a primary drying temperature
Implementation Method 2
increasing the surface temperature of the recorded medium to a primary drying temperature
Implementation Method 3
secondarily drying the recorded medium by increasing the surface temperature of the recorded medium to a secondary drying temperature
Implementation Method 4
increasing the surface temperature of the recorded medium to a secondary drying temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A recording method includes applying an ink composition onto a recording medium, such as a roll sheet, primarily drying the recording medium by increasing the surface temperature of the recording medium to a primary drying temperature during the application of the ink composition, transporting the recording medium onto which the ink composition has been applied to a secondary drying device, and secondarily drying the recording medium by increasing the surface temperature of the recording medium to a secondary drying temperature with the secondary drying device. The variation in surface temperature of the recording medium from the primary drying temperature to the lowest temperature and the variation in surface temperature of the recording medium from the primary drying temperature to the highest temperature, in the period from the completion of the application of the ink composition to the completion of the secondary drying are -40% or more and 370% or less, respectively, relative to the primary drying temperature. The surface temperature of the recording medium is increased to the secondary drying temperature at an average rate of 7°C/s or less after the completion of the application of the ink composition.