Photosensitive Member Dot Merging Reduction via Sequential Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing apparatuses, adjacent printing dots on photosensitive members often merge due to electrical interactions, leading to blurry images and limited halftone levels, as they attract and expand, reducing the spacing between dots and the quality of the printed image.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where a first set of printing dots is formed and transferred, followed by a second set of dots being formed based on image data for adjacent portions, using a control module to sequence the dot formation and transfer, thereby reducing electrical interactions and merging, allowing for closer dot placement and improved image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If printing dots are placed closely together on the photosensitive member, then image detail and resolution are improved, but the dots merge due to electrical interactions causing blurry images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transferring the first set of printing dots from the photosensitive member to the intermediate transfer member before forming the second set of printing dots. This preliminary transfer removes the electrical charge that would otherwise cause merging, allowing subsequent dots to be placed closer together without distortion. The sequence is: form first dots, transfer first dots, form second dots, then transfer second dots.
2Productivity
If adjacent printing dots are formed simultaneously, then printing speed is maintained, but electrical interactions cause dot expansion and merging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process into distinct phases: forming and transferring the first set of printing dots, then forming and transferring the second set of printing dots. This segmentation separates the formation of adjacent dots in space (different portions of the image) and transfers them at different times, eliminating the electrical interactions that would occur if all dots were formed simultaneously. The segmentation maintains productivity by using an intermediate transfer member to buffer the sequential process.
3Reliability
If printing dots are formed in sequence with transfer between steps, then dot merging is reduced, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate transfer member as a mediator between the photosensitive member and the final media. This intermediary component enables the sequential formation and transfer of printing dot sets, isolating the complex multi-step process from the simple final output. The intermediate transfer member accepts dots from the photosensitive member, holds them temporarily, and transfers them to the media, thereby managing the process complexity while achieving improved image clarity.
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 approach results in a more defined and less blurry printed image with increased halftone levels, as the merging of adjacent printing dots is minimized, enabling better image quality and increased detail.
Implementation Method 1
adjacent printing dots formed on the photosensitive member may electrically interact with each other. Such electrical interaction may cause adjacent printing dots thereon to attract to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes forming a second set of printing dots on a photosensitive member by a printing dot applicator corresponding to image data of second portions of the image adjacent to first portions of the image. The second set of printing dots are formed on the photosensitive member after the first set of printing dots have been transferred from the photosensitive member. Thus, a merging of adjacent printing dots due to an electrical interaction there between on the photosensitive member is reduced.