Intermediate Transfer Member Temperature Control for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording methods using intermediate transfer members face issues with image transfer efficiency due to feathering and incomplete image formation, particularly at high speeds, and struggle to maintain high-quality image output.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus and method that employs a reaction liquid, ink, and a liquid composition containing a water-soluble polymer, where the intermediate image is controlled to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the polymer during transfer to increase fluidity and adhesion, and rapidly cooled to suppress separation, enhancing transfer efficiency and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intermediate image is formed on intermediate transfer member using ink jet recording device, then image recording capability is achieved, but feathering occurs and image quality degrades at high speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate transfer member as a mediator between the ink jet recording device and the final recording medium. The intermediate image is formed on this transfer member, dried, and then transferred to the recording medium. This intermediary approach prevents feathering by allowing the ink to dry on the transfer member before final transfer, thereby maintaining image quality at high recording speeds.
2Manufacturing precision
If transfer image recording method is used to prevent feathering, then image quality is improved, but intermediate image may be partially left on intermediate transfer member or divided, resulting in incomplete image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the intermediate transfer member and recording medium relative to the glass transition temperature of the water-soluble polymer. By heating above Tg during transfer and cooling below Tg during separation, the patent ensures complete and reliable image transfer without partial retention or division of the intermediate image.
3Productivity
If temperature of intermediate image is controlled above glass transition temperature during transfer, then fluidity and adhesion are increased improving transfer efficiency, but separation may occur without proper temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through cyclic temperature control: heating the intermediate transfer member above the glass transition temperature during the transfer phase to enhance fluidity and adhesion, then cooling below the glass transition temperature during the separation phase to prevent unwanted separation. This periodic temperature variation ensures both high transfer efficiency and complete image transfer.
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 method significantly improves the transfer efficiency of the intermediate image to the recording medium, resulting in high-quality images by optimizing the temperature control of the intermediate image and recording medium to manage the glass transition temperature of the water-soluble polymer, thereby reducing feathering and ensuring complete image transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate image is controlled to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the polymer during transfer to increase fluidity and adhesion, and rapidly cooled to suppress separation
Data Source
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AI summary
An image recording method comprises applying a reaction liquid onto an intermediate transfer member, applying an ink onto the reaction liquid on the intermediate transfer member, forming an intermediate image by applying a liquid composition containing a water-soluble polymer onto the reaction liquid and the ink on the intermediate transfer member, and transferring the intermediate image from the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium by bringing the intermediate image on the intermediate transfer member into contact with the recording medium, and then separating the intermediate image from the intermediate transfer member with the contact with the recording medium maintained. A first temperature of the intermediate transfer member when the intermediate image comes into contact with the recording medium is controlled to a temperature higher than or equal to the glass transition temperature of the water-soluble polymer, and a second temperature of the recording medium when the intermediate image separates from the intermediate transfer member is controlled to a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of the water-soluble polymer.