Printing Drum Heating with Zoned Pads for Uniform LEP Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid electrophotographic (LEP) printing systems face issues with heat loss and accumulation of oxidized imaging oil on the photosensitive surface, leading to print inaccuracies and potential damage to the intermediate member, which are exacerbated by non-uniform temperature distribution and inefficient heating processes.
Innovation Solution
A controller-controlled heating system with independently adjustable heating pads on the printing drum maintains a predetermined temperature distribution, including temperatures above 80°C for quality enhancement and press priming, and selective engagement with the intermediate member to optimize heating and minimize heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating element is integrated into the printing drum, then the drying function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated directly into the printing drum structure, merging the drying function with the printing drum itself. This eliminates the need for separate drying devices and reduces overall system complexity while providing effective heating for moisture removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing drum is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the printing surface and the heating element for drying. By making the drum multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components, thereby improving drying capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Loss of substance
If the printing drum surface is made hydrophobic, then ink absorption is reduced, but the manufacturing precision required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface properties of the printing drum are modified by changing its hydrophobicity parameter. This surface treatment reduces ink absorption by creating a water-repellent surface, and the method appears to be applied in a controlled manner to achieve the desired effect without requiring extreme manufacturing precision.
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 ensures uniform and efficient heating of the photosensitive surface, reducing print inaccuracies and extending the lifespan of the intermediate member by effectively evaporating oxidized imaging oil and enhancing print quality.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element has a substantially same circumference as the printing drum and is configured to contact the printing drum. The heating element is electrically connected to a power supply unit.
Implementation Method 2
the surface of the printing drum is made hydrophobic so as to prevent absorption of water
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4c
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AI summary
A printing drum for a liquid electrophotographic printing system which comprises a photosensitive surface and a heating device mounted to the printing drum. The heating device heats the photosensitive surface of the printing drum to a predetermined temperature.