Photocurable Inkjet Braille Text Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing braille text and 3D signage are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring specialized equipment like embossing machines and molds, making them difficult to produce quickly and simply.
Innovation Solution
A method using an inkjet printer to form braille text by discharging and curing photocurable ink onto a recording medium, creating multiple print layers with controlled dot spacing and diameter, and forming 3D prints by layer-stacking with UV-curable inks, allowing for precise control over the formation of braille cells and signage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If embossing or machining methods are used to produce braille text and 3D signage, then the tactile and visual characteristics are maintained, but the production process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical embossing and machining systems with a photocurable inkjet printing system. The inkjet printer discharges photocurable ink that is then cured by light exposure, eliminating the need for complex mechanical embossing machines, machine tools, and molds while achieving precise dot placement through digital control of ink discharge positions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the production method from mechanical deformation (embossing/machining) to photopolymerization (ink curing). By controlling parameters such as ink discharge amount, curing light intensity, and layer stacking, the system achieves precise dot formation without complex mechanical equipment
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional embossing or molding methods are used, then braille text and 3D signage can be produced with proper tactile characteristics, but the production speed is slow and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow mechanical embossing and molding processes with rapid photocurable inkjet printing. The inkjet system can quickly discharge and cure ink layers, and multiple layers can be stacked efficiently, dramatically increasing production speed while maintaining precise braille cell dot spacing through digital positioning control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses photocurable ink that is prepared in advance and can be quickly cured upon discharge. The ink layers are stacked in a predetermined sequence, allowing for efficient production without the need for time-consuming mechanical processing steps
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple ink layers are stacked to form braille dots, then precise dot diameter and spacing can be achieved, but the number of processing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical layer-by-layer construction with rapid photocurable inkjet printing. Multiple ink layers can be discharged and cured in quick succession, and the system can efficiently manage the stacking process through automated control, reducing the time penalty associated with multi-layer construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of photocurable ink from liquid to solid upon light exposure. This rapid phase change allows each ink layer to be quickly cured and stabilized, enabling fast multi-layer stacking without significant time loss between layers
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 rapid and efficient production of braille text and 3D signage with precise dot placement and layering, improving the simplicity and speed of production while maintaining the necessary tactile and visual characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
curing with light the discharged photocurable ink
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for forming braille text on a recording medium, the braille text includes a plurality of cells with one or more dots included in each cell, and at least one of the cells includes a plurality of dots. The method includes discharging a photocurable ink onto the recording medium and curing with light the discharged photocurable ink, to form a print layer on the recording medium, and discharging a photocurable ink onto the print layer and curing with light the discharged photocurable ink, to form at least one additional print layer on the print layer. Resultant braille text is formed by the print layer and the at least one additional print layer, and the resultant braille text has an intra-cell dot-to-dot spacing of about 0.38 mm or more and about 1.32 mm or less.