Intermediate Transfer Member Layer Ratios Ink Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet image forming systems face challenges in preventing ink penetration into intermediate transfer members while maintaining ink transfer rates, especially under heat cycles, due to differences in surface layers and temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate transfer member is designed with a base layer, an elastic layer, and a surface layer, where the breaking elongation and linear expansion coefficients of the surface and elastic layers are specifically ratioed to prevent ink penetration and maintain transfer efficiency, comprising a base layer, an elastic layer with controlled breaking elongation and expansion coefficients, and a surface layer with a polymer cured from specific monomers and a curing agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the precoat layer is eliminated to simplify the apparatus configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature of the intermediate transfer member changes due to direct ultraviolet irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surface layer as an intermediary between the ultraviolet irradiation and the intermediate transfer member. This surface layer absorbs the ultraviolet energy and prevents direct heating of the intermediate transfer member, thereby resolving the temperature change issue while maintaining the simplified apparatus configuration without a precoat layer
2Adaptability or versatility
If a soft layer is used for the surface layer to follow uneven paper, then the adaptability is improved, but the ink may permeate into the intermediate transfer member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of breaking elongation to resolve this contradiction. By setting the breaking elongation of the surface layer to be 1/4 to 10 times that of the elastic layer, the surface layer achieves sufficient softness to follow uneven paper surfaces while maintaining adequate ink barrier properties through its controlled elastic characteristics
3Reliability
If the surface layer has high breaking elongation to prevent cracking under heat cycles, then the reliability is improved, but the ink transfer rate may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the breaking elongation parameter within a specific range (1/4 to 10 times that of the elastic layer) to achieve the best balance between reliability and productivity. This parameter optimization ensures the surface layer is durable under heat cycles while maintaining sufficient ink transfer rate
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 designed intermediate transfer member effectively prevents ink penetration and maintains high ink transfer rates by optimizing the breaking elongation and linear expansion coefficients of its layers, ensuring durability and preventing cracking or peeling, even under temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic layer that is disposed on the base layer; and a surface layer that is disposed on the elastic layer, wherein, when a breaking elongation of the surface layer is Ah, and a breaking elongation of the elastic layer is Ad, Ad/Ah=4 to 100 is satisfied
Implementation Method 2
when a linear expansion coefficient of the surface layer is Bh, and a linear expansion coefficient of the elastic layer is Bd, Bd/Bh=0.8 to 2 is satisfied
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate transfer member includes: a base layer; an elastic layer that is disposed on the base layer; and a surface layer that is disposed on the elastic layer, wherein, when a breaking elongation of the surface layer is Ah, and a breaking elongation of the elastic layer is Ad, Ad/Ah=4 to 100 is satisfied, and when a linear expansion coefficient of the surface layer is Bh, and a linear expansion coefficient of the elastic layer is Bd, Bd/Bh=0.8 to 2 is satisfied.