Page-Wide Curing Array Mirror Control for Gloss and Matt Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses using page-wide curing arrays are limited in their ability to operate in multiple modes, such as gloss and matt, and scanning curing units introduce complexity and vibrations, while methods for mixed modes are not suitable for printers with page-wide curing arrays.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that incorporates a page-wide curing array, scanning print unit, and mirror elements to control radiation reflection direction based on operation mode, allowing for both glossy and matt image production by adjusting the time interval between ink deposition and curing through translational and rotational movements of mirror elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a scanning curing unit is used to enable multiple printing modes (gloss, matt, mixed), then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and vibrations increase due to reciprocating movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the curing unit to achieve different printing modes, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the curing unit stationary and moving the mirror elements to redirect radiation. This eliminates the need for complex reciprocating driving means while still enabling gloss, matt, and mixed printing modes through optical redirection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces mirror elements as intermediary components between the stationary curing unit and the recording medium. These mirrors act as mediators that redirect radiation to different areas of the recording medium, enabling multiple printing modes without requiring the curing unit itself to move.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a scanning curing unit is used to enable multiple printing modes, then adaptability is improved, but vibrations increase due to reciprocating movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional scanning approach by keeping the curing unit stationary and instead moving the mirror elements to achieve mode switching. This eliminates the reciprocating movement of the curing unit itself, thereby preventing vibrations from being generated by the curing system while still enabling multiple printing modes.
3Reliability
If a page-wide curing array is used, then curing effectiveness is improved due to longer irradiation time, but adaptability to multiple printing modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces mirror elements as intermediaries that redirect radiation from the stationary page-wide curing array to different areas of the recording medium. This enables the system to achieve gloss, matt, and mixed printing modes while maintaining the advantages of a page-wide array, including effective curing and consistent image 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
Enables efficient operation in both glossy and matt modes by controlling the time interval between ink deposition and curing, preventing nozzle clogging and ensuring consistent image quality without unnecessary radiation exposure to the print head.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror element configured to in operation receive radiation from the page-wide curing array and reflect the radiation in a direction of reflection, the direction of reflection being dependent on a mode of operation of the printing apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a second mirror element configured to in operation receive radiation from the first mirror element in at least one of the modes of operation of the printer
Implementation Method 3
After the ink has been applied onto the recording medium, the ink is hardened by irradiating the ink using a curing unit configured to in operation emit a suitable source of radiation, such as UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating a printing apparatus and an printing apparatus suitable for performing such a method. In particular the present invention relates to a method for operating a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising a page-wide curing array, the printing apparatus being operable in at least a gloss mode and a matt mode.