LED UV Dryer Contamination Detection via Emitter Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED UV dryers face issues with contaminants on transparent coverings reflecting UV light, leading to temperature differences and potential breaking of the covering, as existing methods require additional sensors for temperature measurement to determine contamination levels.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures the temperatures of LED emitters individually or in groups, either directly or indirectly, to infer contamination levels without additional sensors, with the ability to switch off emitters and indicate when the transparent covering needs cleaning or replacement based on calculated threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature measurement sensors are added to the transparent covering to determine contamination levels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED emitters themselves serve as temperature sensors by measuring their own operating temperatures. The system uses the LED emitters' inherent thermal characteristics to detect contamination levels through temperature variations, eliminating the need for separate temperature measurement sensors on the transparent covering.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED emitters perform dual functions: they serve both as UV light sources for curing and as temperature sensors for contamination detection. By utilizing the LED emitters' temperature measurements for both operational control and contamination monitoring, the system avoids adding dedicated sensing components.
2Reliability
If additional temperature sensors are installed on the transparent covering, then reliability of contamination detection is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LED emitters autonomously provide temperature data that indicates contamination levels. By measuring the temperature of the LED emitters directly, the system obtains reliable contamination information without requiring external sensors on the transparent covering.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature of the LED emitters serves as an intermediary parameter that indirectly indicates the contamination level of the transparent covering. Instead of measuring contamination directly, the system uses LED temperature as a proxy indicator that correlates with contamination levels.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the transparent covering is monitored for contamination, then the covering's service life is extended, but the system requires additional measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors LED emitter temperatures to detect early signs of contamination before they reach critical levels. By identifying contamination trends early through temperature variations, the system can alert operators to clean or replace the transparent covering before it breaks, thereby extending its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature measurements from LED emitters to provide continuous feedback on contamination levels. This feedback mechanism allows real-time monitoring and early warning, enabling preventive maintenance actions that extend the transparent covering's operational life.
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
Effectively determines contamination levels without additional sensors, preventing overheating and potential damage to the transparent covering by automatically switching off emitters and providing timely alerts for maintenance, thus ensuring continuous operation of LED UV dryers.
Implementation Method 1
LED UV dryers are used in the curing of UV ink or UV varnish
Implementation Method 2
LEDs are disposed in rows on a carrier, transversely with respect to the transport direction of a printing material
Implementation Method 3
contaminants of the transparent coverings reflect the UV light. This leads to temperature differences within the window
Implementation Method 4
LED emitters being cooled individually or in groups by cooling units
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device are provided for measuring the contamination of a transparent covering of a plate having LED emitters which are cooled individually or in groups by cooling units. The temperatures of the individual or grouped cooling units are measured and conclusions about contamination are drawn from a comparison of the temperatures with one another. An inkjet printing machine and an offset printing press having the device are also provided.