Transfer Assisting Liquid for Inkjet Image Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transfer-type ink jet image recording apparatuses face challenges in achieving high transfer efficiency of intermediate images to recording media, leading to image degradation and incomplete transfers due to feathering and poor adhesion.
Innovation Solution
An image recording method involving the application of a transfer assisting liquid containing thermoplastic resin particles and rosin-based resin particles to an intermediate transfer member, followed by heating to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin particles, to enhance adhesion and transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an intermediate image is formed and transferred directly without additional treatment, then the process is simple and fast, but the transfer efficiency is poor and image quality degrades due to feathering and incomplete transfer
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer assisting liquid containing thermoplastic resin particles and rosin-based resin particles is applied as an intermediary between the intermediate image and the recording medium. This liquid mediates the transfer process by enhancing adhesion during contact and enabling clean peeling, thereby improving transfer efficiency without requiring complex additional equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer assisting liquid undergoes parameter changes through temperature control. The liquid is heated to a temperature not less than the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin particles during the contact state, which changes the viscosity and adhesion properties of the resin, enabling effective image transfer and subsequent peeling
2Reliability
If the transfer assisting liquid is applied before intermediate image formation, then the releasability is improved, but the adhesion to recording medium is insufficient leading to poor transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer assisting liquid is applied in advance to the intermediate image before transfer to the recording medium. This preliminary action prepares the surface for optimal adhesion during the subsequent contact state, ensuring both releasability from the intermediate transfer member and strong bonding to the recording medium
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature parameter changes are applied to the transfer assisting liquid during the contact state with the recording medium. Heating to at least the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin particles modifies the liquid's rheological properties, enhancing adhesion strength temporarily during transfer, then allowing controlled peeling
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 improves the transfer efficiency and stability of high-quality images by ensuring strong adhesion between the intermediate image and the recording medium, reducing feathering and incomplete transfers.
Implementation Method 1
the second intermediate image brought into contact with the recording medium has a temperature not less than a glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin particles
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording method includes a first intermediate image forming step of applying an ink onto an intermediate transfer member to form a first intermediate image, a second intermediate image forming step of applying a transfer assisting liquid containing thermoplastic resin particles and rosin-based resin particles to the first intermediate image formed on the intermediate transfer member to form a second intermediate image, and a transfer step of bringing the second intermediate image formed on the intermediate transfer member into contact with a recording medium, peeling off the second intermediate image from the intermediate transfer member while the contact state with the recording medium is maintained, and transferring the second intermediate image to the recording medium. In the transfer step, the second intermediate image brought into contact with the recording medium has a temperature not less than the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin particles.