Inkjet Transfer Member Drying for Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing systems fail to maintain the state of preprocessing liquids on transfer members, leading to decreased viscosity and inadequate reaction with ink, resulting in low-quality image formation.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet printing apparatus and method that includes a printhead for discharging ink onto a transfer member, an application unit for applying a first liquid to the transfer member, and a drying unit to dry the applied liquid, ensuring the liquid's viscosity increases and reacts effectively with ink for high-quality image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If preprocessing liquid is applied to the transfer member to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but the liquid viscosity decreases and reacts insufficiently with ink
Solution Approach 1:
A drying unit is introduced to perform preliminary drying of the preprocessing liquid before ink discharge. This ensures the liquid is in the appropriate viscosity state when ink is applied, allowing proper reaction between the liquid and ink for high-quality image formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying unit changes the physical parameter (viscosity) of the preprocessing liquid by removing moisture or solvent. This parameter change ensures the liquid maintains appropriate viscosity for effective reaction with ink, resolving the contradiction between applying liquid for image quality and maintaining liquid stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If preprocessing liquid with high liquid content is applied to the transfer member, then image quality is improved, but the liquid does not sufficiently react with discharged ink
Solution Approach 1:
The drying unit performs preliminary processing on the preprocessing liquid to reduce its liquid content and increase viscosity before ink discharge. This preliminary action ensures that when ink is discharged, the preprocessing liquid is in the optimal state for chemical reaction, thereby improving reaction effectiveness while maintaining image quality.
3Ease of operation
If preprocessing liquid is applied in a state where liquid remains from previous step, then application is simplified, but the preprocessing liquid decreases in viscosity and fails to react properly with ink
Solution Approach 1:
The drying unit is positioned to perform preliminary drying of the preprocessing liquid before the next liquid application step. This ensures that even though liquid application is simplified and continuous, the preprocessing liquid maintains appropriate viscosity and stability for effective ink reaction.
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 enables the maintenance of preprocessing liquid viscosity, promoting effective ink reaction and resulting in high-quality image printing by ensuring the liquid's viscosity increases and reacts effectively with ink.
Implementation Method 1
a first drying unit configured to dry the first liquid applied to the transfer member by the application unit
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing apparatus includes a printhead configured to form an image by discharging ink to a transfer member, a transfer unit configured to transfer the image from the transfer member to a print medium, and an application unit configured to apply a first liquid to the transfer member prior to formation of the image by the printhead. The inkjet printing apparatus also includes a first drying unit configured to dry the first liquid applied to the transfer member by the application unit by blowing air using a first air blower before the ink is discharged by the printhead to the transfer member.