Integrated Inkjet and Toner Foil Image Forming Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing methods for forming foil images on recording media require separate steps for ink/varnish discharge and foil application, leading to decreased printing speed and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device and method that integrates inkjet printing for black and white/color images and toner image transfer, followed by a foil image forming process using a melted toner adhesive, allowing simultaneous processing of images along a single carrying path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate steps are used for ink discharge and foil image formation, then each step can be processed independently, but printing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inkjet printing process and foil image formation process into a single integrated system. The inkjet printing unit forms both the black-and-white/color image and the toner image for foil adhesion on the same recording medium in one pass, eliminating the need for separate processing steps and thereby increasing printing speed while maintaining process independence through coordinated control of multiple printing units.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate processing steps are used, then quality control is easier, but overall processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inkjet printing unit preliminarily forms the toner image for foil adhesion on the recording medium before the foil application step. This preliminary action ensures that the adhesive layer is ready in advance, allowing the foil to be applied immediately without waiting for separate processing, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining quality control through coordinated sequencing of operations.
3Productivity
If inkjet printing and foil application are integrated, then printing speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inkjet printing unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform both the black-and-white/color image printing and the toner image formation for foil adhesion. This universal approach allows a single device to handle multiple functions that were previously requiring separate systems, thereby increasing printing speed while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than physical consolidation.
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
Improves printing efficiency by enabling the simultaneous formation of black and white/color images and foil images on a recording medium, enhancing productivity and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit that heats the toner image transferred to the recording medium
Implementation Method 2
a pressing unit that presses the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device comprises: a receiving part that receives image data containing first image data relating to a black and white image and second image data relating to a foil image; a carrying path along which a recording medium is carried in a predetermined direction; an inkjet printing part, arranged on the carrying path, injects an ink based on the first image data to the recording medium, and forms the black and white image or the color image on the recording medium; a toner image printing part, arranged on the carrying path, forms the toner image for adhesion based on the second image data, and transfers the toner image to the recording medium; and a foil image forming part, arranged on the carrying path, enables the toner image transferred to the recording medium to melt and attaches the foil to the melted toner image to form the foil image.