Double-Sided Inkjet Temperature Control for Print Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The print quality of the back surface in double-sided recording system image forming apparatuses is not adequately maintained, leading to suboptimal results compared to the front surface.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a first and second temperature adjustment device, a reverse unit, and a control device that adjusts the temperature of the recording medium based on a temperature table, ensuring consistent temperature across both sides during double-sided recording, using a sheet alignment unit and roller pairs with heaters and fans to maintain optimal inkjet performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a double-sided recording system is used to record images on both sides of a sheet, then productivity is improved by eliminating ejection and re-loading, but print quality of the back surface deteriorates due to temperature drops during the recording process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by heating the sheet before back-surface recording and maintaining its temperature during the process. The temperature management unit heats the sheet in advance and keeps it at an appropriate temperature level throughout the back-surface recording operation, preventing temperature drops that would otherwise degrade print quality. This ensures that the sheet maintains optimal temperature conditions for high-quality recording without interrupting the double-sided recording workflow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sheet is conveyed through the reversing unit and re-conveyer, then double-sided recording is enabled, but temperature of the sheet drops leading to reduced inkjet recording performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature management unit as an intermediary between the reversing unit and the inkjet recording unit. This intermediate device monitors and adjusts the sheet temperature during conveyance and recording operations. By positioning the temperature management unit in this intermediate location, the system can compensate for temperature drops caused by the reversing and re-conveying processes, ensuring the sheet maintains appropriate temperature for optimal inkjet recording performance on the back surface.
3Device complexity
If no temperature management is applied during back-surface recording, then device complexity is reduced, but inkjet recording characteristics deteriorate due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the temperature parameter of the sheet during back-surface recording. The temperature management unit modifies the sheet temperature based on detected conditions, heating the sheet when temperature drops are detected and maintaining it within an appropriate range. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures consistent inkjet recording characteristics on the back surface without requiring overly complex structural modifications to the basic double-sided recording system.
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 solution enhances the print quality of the back surface by preventing temperature drops during double-sided recording, maintaining consistency with the front surface and improving overall image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature adjustment device that adjusts a temperature of the recording medium
Implementation Method 2
a second temperature adjustment device that controls the temperature of the recording medium in which the front and back surfaces are reversed
Implementation Method 3
an inkjet head that ejects ink onto a surface of the recording medium
Implementation Method 4
a reverse unit that reverses front and back surfaces of the recording medium by switching a conveying direction of the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus capable of executing a single-sided recording mode in which an image is recorded on one side of a recording medium and a double-sided recording mode in which an image is recorded on both sides of the recording medium, the image forming apparatus includes: a first temperature adjustment device that adjusts a temperature of the recording medium; an inkjet head that ejects ink onto a surface of the recording medium; a reverse unit that reverses front and back surfaces of the recording medium by switching a conveying direction of the recording medium when the double-sided recording mode is executed; a second temperature adjustment device that controls the temperature of the recording medium in which the front and back surfaces are reversed; and a control device that controls at least one of the first and second temperature adjustment devices.