Inkjet Transfer Member Temperature Control via Feedback Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing apparatuses lack a means to properly control the temperature of the intermediate transfer member, leading to instability in image formation and transfer due to external disturbances and lack of cooling/heating control before and after image formation.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet printing apparatus with a printhead, transfer unit, cooling unit, and measurement units that cool the transfer member after image transfer and control the cooling capability based on measured temperatures to maintain temperature stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no cooling means is provided for the intermediate transfer member, then the structure remains simple, but the temperature of the transfer member becomes unstable due to external disturbances and ink latent heat, causing unstable image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling unit cools the intermediate transfer member before image formation to preemptively counteract the temperature rise caused by ink latent heat and environmental factors. This preliminary cooling action ensures the transfer member is at the optimal temperature for stable image formation, resolving the contradiction by adding a simple cooling function rather than a complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling unit is designed to automatically cool the intermediate transfer member based on its own temperature state and the known thermal characteristics of the ink and environment. The system uses temperature sensors and control logic to self-regulate the cooling process, maintaining temperature stability without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If no heating means is provided for the intermediate transfer member, then the structure remains simple, but the transfer of image from the transfer member to print medium becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit heats the intermediate transfer member before the image transfer process to preemptively ensure optimal temperature conditions. This preliminary heating action compensates for heat loss and ensures stable image transfer, resolving the contradiction by adding a simple heating function rather than a complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating unit automatically heats the intermediate transfer member based on temperature sensors and control logic that monitor the thermal state of the system. The heating process self-regulates to maintain optimal temperature for image transfer without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If no temperature measurement and control means is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but it is impossible to maintain proper temperature of the transfer member against external disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors are installed on the intermediate transfer member to continuously monitor its temperature. The control unit receives this temperature feedback and automatically adjusts the cooling and heating units to maintain the transfer member at the optimal temperature. This feedback mechanism provides automatic temperature control with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control system uses the transfer member's own temperature measurements to self-regulate the cooling and heating processes. The system automatically adjusts its operation based on real-time temperature feedback, maintaining temperature stability without requiring complex external control mechanisms or manual intervention.
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 allows for precise temperature control of the transfer member, enhancing the stability and quality of the printed image by addressing external disturbances and ensuring optimal temperature conditions for image formation and transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit configured to cool down the transfer member after the image is transferred to the print medium; a first measurement unit configured to measure a temperature of the transfer member cooled down by the cooling unit
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing apparatus includes a transfer member, a printhead, a heating unit, and a transfer unit. A cooling unit, provided upstream of the printhead with respect to a rotation direction of the transfer member, cools down the transfer member, and a first measurement unit, provided around the transfer member, between the printhead and the cooling unit, measures a temperature of the transfer member. In addition, a second measurement unit, provided around the transfer member, between the heating unit and the transfer unit, measures a temperature of the transfer member. A control unit controls the cooling unit based on the temperature measured by the first measurement unit, and controls the heating unit based on the temperature measured by the second measurement unit.