Reaction Liquid Applying Mechanism for Selective Ink Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses are limited to using only coated paper as the recording medium, without considering suitable reaction liquids for other types of media.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus that includes a transport mechanism and a reaction liquid applying mechanism to selectively apply either a first or second reaction liquid, which reacts with ink, onto various recording media, allowing for the use of suitable reaction liquids based on the medium's type and permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single type of reaction liquid is used for all recording media, then the device structure is simple, but the recording quality and ink fixation are insufficient for different media types
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction liquid applying mechanism is made dynamically switchable between different reaction liquids based on the detected recording medium type. The system transitions from a static single-liquid configuration to a dynamic multi-liquid configuration that adapts to different media, improving ink fixation while managing complexity through controlled variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the chemical parameter (reaction liquid type) based on the physical parameter (recording medium type and permeability). By detecting medium characteristics and selecting appropriate reaction liquids accordingly, the system optimizes ink fixation for each media type while maintaining a manageable structure through parameter-based adaptation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of reaction liquids are provided, then the adaptability to different recording media is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction liquid applying mechanism is segmented into separate discharge units for different reaction liquids (first reaction liquid discharge unit and second reaction liquid discharge unit). Each unit is independently controlled and can be selectively activated based on the recording medium type, enabling multi-media compatibility while managing complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction liquid applying mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to handle different recording media types (coated paper, transparent film, opaque film). By integrating multiple reaction liquid discharge capabilities into a single unified mechanism that can be selectively controlled, the system achieves universality across different media while avoiding the need for completely separate applying systems.
3Reliability
If reaction liquid is applied before ink discharge, then ink fixation is improved, but the risk of odor and moisture issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction liquid is applied locally only to the specific regions where ink will be discharged, rather than uniformly across the entire recording medium. This localized application minimizes the total amount of reaction liquid used, thereby reducing the potential for odor and moisture issues while still ensuring proper ink fixation in the recording areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a detection unit that detects the type of recording medium before the recording process begins. Based on this feedback information, the control unit selectively activates the appropriate reaction liquid discharge unit, enabling the system to adapt and minimize harmful effects by choosing the most suitable reaction liquid for each specific medium type.
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
Enables the use of appropriate reaction liquids for different recording media, improving ink fixation and reducing odor and moisture issues, thereby enhancing recording quality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first reaction liquid that reacts with ink or a second reaction liquid that reacts with the ink
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a recording apparatus in which it is possible to use a suitable reaction liquid to be applied on the recording medium, out of multiple types of reaction liquids. A recording apparatus includes a transport mechanism that transports a recording medium, a reaction liquid applying mechanism that selectively applies, on the recording medium, either a first reaction liquid that reacts with ink or a second reaction liquid that reacts with the ink and is different from the first reaction liquid, and an ink discharge mechanism that is positioned downstream from the reaction liquid applying mechanism in the transport direction of the recording medium and discharges the ink onto the recording medium. It is preferable that the reaction liquid applying mechanism include a first reaction liquid discharge unit that discharges the first reaction liquid and a second reaction liquid discharge unit that discharges the second reaction liquid.