Impingement Module for Uniform Latex Ink Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies face challenges with high energy consumption and non-uniform curing when using infrared heaters for drying and curing latex ink, which limits the range of print media and results in non-homogeneous latex film formation.
Innovation Solution
An impingement module with a heater and fan system that impinges heated air perpendicularly onto the print medium, allowing for improved mass and heat transfer coefficients, reducing the required temperature for curing and enabling the use of a wider range of print media, including synthetic and aluminum sheets, while ensuring uniform curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If infrared heaters are used for drying and curing latex ink, then the curing process can be achieved, but the energy consumption is high and the curing uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The curing system is segmented into multiple heating zones with independent temperature control along the print medium path. This allows different sections to be optimized for specific curing stages, improving uniformity while reducing total energy consumption by avoiding overheating in any single zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Different heating methods and temperature profiles are applied to different areas of the print medium based on local curing requirements. The system adjusts heating intensity and duration locally to achieve uniform curing across the entire medium without excessive energy input.
2Productivity
If high temperature is used for curing latex ink, then the curing speed increases, but the range of usable print media is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The curing system dynamically adjusts temperature and exposure time based on the detected print medium type and ink characteristics. This allows optimal curing speed for each medium while preventing damage to temperature-sensitive materials, thereby expanding the range of usable print media.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes curing parameters (temperature, humidity, exposure time) according to the specific requirements of different print media and ink types. This enables fast curing for suitable media while providing gentler conditions for temperature-sensitive media, maintaining productivity across diverse material types.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If parallel air flow is used for drying, then the drying process can be achieved, but the mass and heat transfer coefficients are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces controlled air turbulence and flow variation to enhance mass and heat transfer coefficients during the drying process. This improves drying efficiency by breaking up boundary layers and increasing contact between drying air and the print medium surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying system uses optimized pneumatic flow channels and air distribution mechanisms to create effective airflow patterns that maximize heat and mass transfer. This improves drying efficiency without requiring excessive energy input by optimizing the aerodynamic characteristics of the drying chamber.
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 impingement module achieves efficient and uniform drying and curing with lower energy consumption, expanding the range of usable print media and improving the homogeneity of latex film formation, and can be optimized for both drying and curing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (42) for heating up air
Implementation Method 2
a fan (40) for moving the heated air through the holes (24a) of the impingement plate
Implementation Method 3
The impingement module comprises an impingement plate (24) having a plurality of holes (24a)... heated air impinging on the printed medium (10)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for curing ink printed on a print medium are disclosed. The methods comprise heating air to a temperature suitable for curing the ink, and blowing the air through a plurality of holes onto the print medium.