Single Current Source Laser Diode Fine Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital lithographic printing systems face significant heat dissipation and power consumption issues due to the high power requirements of laser diodes and heavy gauge cables, leading to inefficiency and reduced reliability of connectors.
Innovation Solution
A driving device with a single high current power source and a dedicated low current controllable power source is used to adjust the current flowing through laser diodes, reducing the number of heavy gauge wires needed and minimizing heat dissipation and power consumption by allowing fine-tuning of current pulses at each diode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple heavy gauge cables are used to power each laser diode individually, then each laser diode can be powered independently, but heat dissipation and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual laser diode power sources into a single shared high current power source. Instead of using separate heavy gauge cables for each laser diode, the system uses one common power source that distributes current to multiple laser diodes through a shared bus structure, thereby reducing the number of heavy cables and associated heat dissipation while maintaining independent control capability through individual current adjustment apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the current control function by introducing individual current adjustment apparatus for each laser diode or group of laser diodes. This allows independent current control for each segment while using a shared power source, enabling precise control of each laser diode's power consumption and heat generation without requiring separate heavy gauge power cables for each diode.
2Power
If multiple heavy gauge cables are used to power each laser diode, then adequate current can be supplied to each diode, but the number of cables and connectors increases, reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual power delivery paths into a single shared high current power source with a common output bus. This consolidation reduces the total number of heavy gauge cables and connectors from multiple individual connections to one shared connection structure, thereby reducing system complexity and improving reliability while maintaining the ability to supply adequate current to each laser diode through the shared bus.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared high current power source serves multiple laser diodes simultaneously, making it a universal power supply that replaces multiple specialized individual power sources. This multi-functional approach reduces the overall number of components while maintaining the capability to power each laser diode with the required current.
3Device complexity
If a single high current power source is used to power multiple laser diodes, then the number of cables and connectors is reduced, but current distribution control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current control function by providing individual current adjustment apparatus for each laser diode or group of laser diodes connected to the shared power source. This segmentation allows independent control of current distribution to each segment while using a unified power source, making current distribution as easy to control as individual independent power sources but with reduced cable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces current adjustment apparatus as intermediary components between the shared high current power source and individual laser diodes. These intermediaries facilitate precise current control for each laser diode by acting as local regulation points, making the shared power source as controllable as multiple independent sources while maintaining the benefits of cable reduction.
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 power loss and heat stress, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the printing system by minimizing the number of heavy gauge wires and optimizing current distribution, thereby lowering energy consumption and extending the life expectancy of components.
Implementation Method 1
A single laser and mirror array form an imaging module that provides imaging capability
Implementation Method 2
The mirror array deflects individual mirrors to form the pixels on the image plane to pixel-wise evaporate the fountain solution on the silicone plate
Implementation Method 3
Although heavy copper wires are used a lot of heat is generated by these wires
Data Source
AI summary
According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided an apparatus and method for driving a laser imaging module (LIM) that includes an adjustment current to have all laser diodes emitting the same amount of output so that the diodes can be connected in series on a single high current power source. Fine tuning can be done by a dedicated low current controllable power source connected directly to each laser diode. A series connected LIM uses only two heavy gauge wires so total power loss and heat stress on the LIM and module drawer connectors will be significantly reduced. Additional fine tuning can include an electronic gate so that individual diodes could be quickly turned off independently from each other.