Fiber Optic LED UV Curing Head for Ink Jet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
High intensity LED devices face challenges in designing thermal and optical energy management, particularly in compact, heat-sensitive, and hazardous locations, such as UV-curable ink curing in ink jet printing, where non-focused light energy impairs ink jet nozzle functionality and reduces print quality.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing fiber optic transmission bundles and optical lenses to transmit light from a LED source to a compact emitting head, allowing for flexible radiation patterns with minimal heat emission, enabling operation close to ink jet heads without cooling, and being intrinsically safe for hazardous locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high intensity LED devices are used for UV curing, then curing efficiency is improved, but heat emission increases causing damage to heat-sensitive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light-generating function from the heat-generating LED source, transmitting only the useful UV light energy through optical fibers to the curing location while leaving the heat source at a distance, thus separating the beneficial curing effect from the harmful thermal effect
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers serve as an intermediary medium that transmits UV light energy from the LED source to the curing location without conducting significant heat, enabling energy transfer while isolating the heat-sensitive areas from thermal damage
2Reliability
If UV LED devices are used for ink curing, then curing function is achieved, but light scattering causes ink to cure on nozzles impairing function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies focused light delivery through optical fibers that concentrate UV energy precisely where needed (on the substrate) rather than allowing scattered light to cure ink on the nozzles, creating localized curing action that preserves nozzle functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional direct LED illumination system with an optical fiber-based light delivery system, substituting a mechanical/optical arrangement that enables precise spatial control of curing energy and prevents unwanted curing on components
3Manufacturing precision
If ink jet heads are grouped closely together for multi-color printing, then print quality is improved, but sufficient curing radiation cannot be delivered to the ink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar lighting arrangement to a three-dimensional light delivery system using optical fibers that can be positioned in close proximity to the substrate, enabling sufficient curing radiation delivery even when ink jet heads are tightly grouped for multi-color printing
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 solution provides efficient UV curing with reduced maintenance needs, improved print quality, and increased precision by delivering focused light with minimal heat, allowing closer spacing of ink jet heads and flexible intensity adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The fiber optic cable has a plurality of optic fibers receiving light which has passed through the lens
Implementation Method 2
A device utilizing fiber optic transmission bundles and optical lenses to transmit light from a LED source
Implementation Method 3
High intensity LED devices present great challenges in designing thermal and optical energy management
Data Source
AI summary
The curing assembly of this invention has one or more fiber optic cables, each transmitting light to a head, which distributes the light onto a substrate in a desired geometric pattern and intensity. Little or none of the heat generated by a light source is transmitted to the vicinity of the substrate. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).