Flexible OLED Sheet Irradiation for Substrate Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irradiation devices for substrate materials in sheet-fed or web-fed processing systems are complex and costly to manufacture, particularly due to the need for precise cylindrical shapes and transparent casings, which limits their integration and efficiency in inspection and drying/curing applications.
Innovation Solution
A flexible light-emitting sheet, preferably an OLED sheet, is used to irradiate substrate materials, providing a thin, homogeneous, and adaptable light source that can conform to various shapes and paths, eliminating the need for complex cylindrical casings and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transparent cylindrical casings are used to support sheets for inspection, then the sheets can be properly supported and illuminated, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transparent cylindrical casing from the inspection device, replacing it with a simpler sheet support structure. The light source is positioned directly behind the sheet support without requiring an enclosing transparent case, thereby eliminating the manufacturing complexity and cost associated with precision cylindrical casings while maintaining sheet support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet support structure serves multiple functions: it supports the sheet, positions it for inspection, and integrates the light source positioning, eliminating the need for a separate transparent cylindrical casing. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Illumination intensity
If precise cylindrical shapes are required for the transparent casing, then the light distribution can be controlled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the transparent cylindrical casing entirely, replacing it with a flat or curved sheet support structure with integrated light source positioning. This removes the requirement for precision cylindrical manufacturing while maintaining control over light distribution through alternative means such as light guide plates or direct LED positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the light distribution system from cylindrical to planar or curved surfaces, which are easier to manufacture with standard precision. The light distribution control is achieved through material selection, surface treatment, or LED array configuration rather than relying on precise cylindrical geometry.
3Ease of operation
If discrete lighting elements are mounted on circuit boards inside transparent tubes, then the light sources can be positioned, but the device complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sheet support structure and light source positioning into a single integrated component. The light sources are mounted directly on or near the sheet support structure rather than on separate circuit boards inside transparent tubes, simplifying the overall assembly and reducing the number of parts that need to be positioned and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet support structure serves as both the mechanical support for the sheet and the mounting structure for the light sources, eliminating the need for separate circuit board assemblies and transparent tube housings. This multi-functional design reduces assembly complexity while maintaining ease of light source positioning.
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 flexible OLED sheet simplifies the integration of light sources in processing systems, enhances transmissive inspection capabilities, and serves as an effective drying or curing element with uniform illumination and low power consumption, reducing maintenance and production costs while improving system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible light-emitting sheet, preferably an OLED sheet, is used to irradiate substrate materials
Implementation Method 2
as drying or curing element for drying or curing inks, varnishes, coatings and the like applied on the substrate material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A device for irradiating substrate material (S) in the form of a sheet or web in a sheet-fed or web-fed processing system, especially in a sheet-fed or web-fed processing or printing press. The device comprises at least one flexible light-emitting sheet (10) for producing radiation of a desired wavelength or wavelength band, which light-emitting sheet (10) is disposed along a path of the substrate material (S) to subject the substrate material (S) to said radiation. The flexible light-emitting sheet (10) is preferably an organic light-emitting device (OLED) sheet.