LED Light Irradiation Device for Uniform UV Ink Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light irradiation devices for photo-curable ink in printing apparatuses face challenges in achieving uniform irradiation due to large differences in luminous intensity among light emission elements, leading to insufficient curing of photo-curable ink.
Innovation Solution
A light irradiation device with multiple rows of light sources, each with distinct irradiation intensity ranges, arranged orthogonally to ensure uniform irradiation, and a driver circuit to control and adjust the light sources, allowing for effective curing of photo-curable ink even with variations in manufacturing lots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light emission elements with different luminous intensity levels are arranged according to a predetermined rule, then uniformity of irradiation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to need for classification and precise arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dividing light emission elements into multiple groups based on their luminous intensity parameters. Elements are classified into first groups with higher intensity and second groups with lower intensity, and these groups are arranged in a specific pattern to achieve uniform overall irradiation. This transforms the problem from using identical elements to strategically distributing varied intensity elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different luminous intensity characteristics to different spatial locations. Specifically, light emission elements in central regions may have different intensity levels compared to peripheral elements. This local differentiation allows each region to contribute appropriately to the overall uniform irradiation pattern, compensating for natural intensity variations across the array.
2Illumination intensity
If light emission elements are classified into different luminous intensity levels, then irradiation uniformity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses manufacturing precision challenges by establishing clear parameter ranges for different element groups. First groups are defined with luminous intensity within a first range, and second groups with intensity within a second range. This parameter-based classification provides explicit tolerance specifications that guide manufacturing, making the system robust to normal manufacturing variations while still achieving uniform irradiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-classifying light emission elements into different groups based on their luminous intensity characteristics before final assembly. This preliminary classification allows manufacturers to sort elements into appropriate groups (first groups with higher intensity, second groups with lower intensity) according to measured parameters, ensuring that elements with similar intensity characteristics are grouped together. This pre-sorting compensates for manufacturing variations and simplifies the assembly process.
3Illumination intensity
If groups of light emission elements with controlled intensity differences are used, then irradiation uniformity is maintained, but the quantity of light sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality to optimize the distribution of light sources by assigning different intensity characteristics to different spatial locations. Central regions may use elements with one intensity level while peripheral regions use elements with another intensity level. This localized approach allows the system to achieve uniform overall irradiation without uniformly increasing the quantity of light sources across the entire array, as each local region is optimized for its specific position.
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 ensures stable and uniform curing of photo-curable ink by minimizing irradiation variations and enhancing peak illuminance, achieving efficient fixation of UV ink with greater stability and uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
a light irradiation section that applies light to photo-curable ink having been applied onto a medium
Data Source
AI summary
A light irradiation device includes: a UV irradiation unit that applies light to UV ink having been applied onto a medium; and a moving unit that moves a relative position of the medium and the UV irradiation unit in the Z-axis direction; wherein the UV irradiation unit includes, a light source row formed by arranging plural light emitting diodes (LED), irradiation intensity of which falls within a first range, in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction; and another light source row located next to the light source row and formed by arranging plural LEDs, irradiation intensity of which falls within a second range, in the Y-axis direction.