Image Forming System Varnish Bleeding Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems face challenges in preventing 'bleeding' of varnish images on non-image regions where toner images are not formed, leading to unsatisfactory image quality and protrusion of the varnish image beyond its intended boundaries.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus for creating toner images and a varnish applying apparatus for forming varnish images. A controller is used to form a second toner image with monochromatic toner on specific areas before the varnish image is formed, particularly in non-image regions where the varnish image is to be applied, thereby controlling the varnish image's boundaries and preventing bleeding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If varnish is applied directly to non-image regions without toner, then the varnish application process is simple and fast, but the varnish image bleeds and protrudes beyond its intended boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevarnish application speedVSAvoidvarnish image boundary precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies monochromatic toner to non-image regions before varnish application. This preliminary toner deposition creates a surface that prevents varnish bleeding, allowing the varnish to be applied directly without causing boundary protrusion while maintaining application speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent selectively applies monochromatic toner only to specific non-image regions where varnish will be applied. This local treatment modifies the surface properties precisely where needed to prevent bleeding, while leaving other areas unchanged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If monochromatic toner is applied to non-image regions before varnish, then the varnish image boundary precision is improved, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevarnish image boundary precisionVSAvoidimage forming process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the formation of the first toner image and the application of monochromatic toner into a single integrated process. The image forming apparatus performs both functions sequentially without requiring separate equipment, thus reducing overall process complexity while achieving precise varnish boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image forming apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: forming the first toner image with color toner and applying monochromatic toner to non-image regions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If monochromatic toner is applied to the entire non-image region, then the varnish bleeding is completely prevented, but the toner consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebleeding prevention effectivenessVSAvoidmonochromatic toner consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies monochromatic toner partially to non-image regions, specifically only where varnish will be applied, rather than to the entire non-image area. This partial application is sufficient to prevent bleeding while minimizing toner consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 proposed solution effectively suppresses the 'bleeding' of varnish images, ensuring that the varnish image remains within its intended boundaries and maintains the desired image quality by adjusting the contact angle of the varnish through the strategic application of monochromatic toner.

Implementation Method 1

adjusting the contact angle of the varnish through the strategic application of monochromatic toner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContact angle control: Wetting

Implementation Method 2

a varnish applying apparatus configured to apply varnish on the recording material to form a varnish image on the recording material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVarnish application: Coatings

Data Source

PatentUS12265351B2Image forming system

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, a varnish applying apparatus, and a controller. A toner image formed on a recording material by the image forming apparatus on the basis of inputted first image data is a first toner image, and an image formed on the recording material by the varnish applying apparatus on the basis of inputted second image data is a varnish image. In a case that the varnish image is to be formed in a non-image region where the first toner image is not formed, before the varnish image is formed, a second toner image is formed with monochromatic toner by the image forming apparatus on a portion of the non-image region where the varnish image is to be formed.