Multi-Wavelength Drying Light Source Optical Heterodyning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying light sources for multi-color printing machines are sensitive to temperature changes, require expensive cooling systems, and have limited design flexibility due to their narrow spatial relationships with the object being illuminated, restricting their application in different printing machines.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wavelength drying light source with optical units for heterodyning different beam bundles, comprising at least one first and second individual light source with dominant wavelengths, using reflectors and beam dividers to combine and homogenize light, and optionally high power LEDs or other illuminants with condenser optics for efficient illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high power LEDs with large aperture emission are used in closely adjacent rows, then multi-wavelength illumination is achieved, but temperature sensitivity increases and expensive cooling means are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical elements (reflectors, beam dividers, condenser optics) as intermediaries to manage the light paths from multiple LEDs. These optical components enable the combination of light from LEDs with different wavelengths without requiring the LEDs to be in direct close proximity, thereby reducing thermal interference while maintaining multi-wavelength illumination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the illumination system into distinct optical paths for different wavelengths, using separate reflectors and beam dividers for each LED type. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each wavelength path and reduces thermal coupling between different LED groups
2Illumination intensity
If high power LEDs with large aperture emission are used, then multi-wavelength illumination is achieved, but spatial relationships become extremely narrow limiting design variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the system from a single-plane LED arrangement to a three-dimensional optical path configuration using reflectors and beam dividers. This allows light from LEDs positioned at different spatial locations and angles to be combined, effectively increasing the design space and allowing greater flexibility in positioning and orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with universal components (reflectors, beam dividers, condenser optics) that can accommodate different LED configurations and wavelengths. This multi-functional design allows the same basic structure to be adapted for various printing machine applications and wavelength combinations
3Illumination intensity
If LEDs are mounted very close to the object to be illuminated, then illumination intensity is improved, but spatial relationships become extremely narrow severely limiting variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved reflectors and spherical condenser optics to redirect and focus light from LEDs positioned at a distance from the object. These curved optical elements maintain high illumination intensity at the target while allowing greater spatial separation between the LED sources and the illuminated surface
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
This solution reduces the need for expensive cooling systems and enhances design flexibility by allowing for simplified spatial coordination, enabling more versatile use in various printing machines while maintaining effective ink hardening capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the reflector is mounted and designed in such a way that at least the emitted light (λ1) of the first individual light source is reflected and strikes heterodyned with the emitted light (λ2) of the second individual light source onto the object field
Implementation Method 2
optical means are provided for heterodyning the emitted light of these individual light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A drying light source (1), in which the light of a number of single light sources (3) is applied heterodyned and bundled to an object level (5) with the help of optical elements (6, 4, 7, 8).