Printing Apparatus Steam Flattening Ejection Defects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face issues with fluff fibers not being flattened effectively, leading to ejection defects when in contact with nozzle surfaces, and moisture absorption causing creases and image quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus that applies steam to soften fibers, followed by compression to flatten fluff, with a steam application unit that adjusts steam range and a partition to prevent steam from reaching the ejection unit, and a medium compression unit that securely presses the medium against a support to prevent fluff from adhering to the nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fluff is compressed directly without steam treatment, then the compression force can be applied immediately, but the fluff cannot be effectively flattened and may cause ejection defects
Solution Approach 1:
The steam application unit is positioned upstream of the compression unit to pre-treat the fluff with steam before compression. This preliminary steaming softens the fibers, making them more pliable and easier to flatten during the subsequent compression step, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving effective flattening and maintaining process simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the fluff by applying steam heat treatment before compression. This parameter change (from dry to steam-treated state) fundamentally alters the compressibility and flattening characteristics of the fluff, enabling effective compression without excessive force and preventing ejection defects.
2Manufacturing precision
If steam is applied to soften fibers, then fluff can be flattened more effectively, but steam may reach the ejection unit and cause image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment zone is segmented into distinct sections: a steam application section upstream for softening fibers, and a compression section downstream for flattening fluff. This spatial segmentation ensures that steam treatment and compression occur in separate zones, preventing steam from reaching the ejection unit while maintaining effective fluff flattening.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression unit acts as an intermediary element positioned between the steam application unit and the ejection unit. It serves dual functions: completing the fluff flattening process and acting as a barrier to prevent steam from reaching the ejection unit, thereby protecting image quality while maintaining flattening effectiveness.
3Manufacturing precision
If compression force is increased to flatten fluff, then ejection defects are suppressed, but moisture absorption causes creases and image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the moisture content and temperature parameters of the fluff through steam treatment before compression. This pre-humidification and heating makes the fibers more pliable, allowing effective flattening with reduced compression force, thereby suppressing ejection defects while preventing crease formation that would occur with excessive compression of dry fibers.
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 effectively suppresses ejection defects and image quality degradation by ensuring fluff is flattened and moisture is managed, resulting in high-quality prints.
Implementation Method 1
a steam application unit that applies steam to a printing surface
Implementation Method 2
applies steam to soften fibers, followed by compression
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing apparatus (1A) includes an ejection unit (8) including a nozzle surface (9) configured to eject a liquid droplet, the nozzle surface facing a printing surface of a medium (M), a transport unit configured to transport the medium in a transport direction, a steam application unit (6) configured to apply steam to the printing surface, the steam application unit being provided upstream of the ejection unit in the transport direction, and a medium compression unit (7) configured to compress the medium, the medium compression unit being provided upstream of the ejection unit in the transport direction and downstream of the steam application unit in the transport direction.