Liquid Ejection Device Multi-Layer Curing for Luster Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In active energy ray curing inkjet systems, increasing the thickness of the clear ink layer to achieve high luster often results in luster lines due to uneven curing, degrading the quality of the image or article.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection device with multiple ejectors and an active energy ray irradiator, where the control unit manages different ejection amounts and curing processes for each ejector to inhibit luster lines by varying the film thickness and curing timing of the clear ink layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the thickness of the clear ink layer is increased to achieve high luster, then luster is improved, but luster lines appear due to uneven curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clear ink layer formation into multiple stages using multiple ejectors. A first ejector deposits a first clear ink layer, then a second ejector deposits a second clear ink layer on top. This segmentation allows each layer to be cured independently and uniformly, preventing luster lines while achieving the desired total thickness for high luster.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary curing to the first clear ink layer before applying the second layer. The control unit cures the first clear ink layer after a given time elapses, ensuring it is fully cured before the second layer is applied. This preliminary action prevents curing issues and luster lines in the final multi-layer structure.
2Productivity
If UV light with high intensity is emitted to cure the clear ink layer, then curing speed is improved, but luster lines appear due to uneven curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the curing process into multiple stages corresponding to multiple ink layer deposits. Each clear ink layer is cured separately using the active energy ray irradiator, allowing controlled and uniform curing of each layer without creating luster lines, while maintaining high productivity through efficient multi-stage processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary curing of the first clear ink layer before applying the second layer. This ensures the first layer is fully cured before the next layer is deposited, preventing curing defects and luster lines while maintaining efficient production throughput.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple clear ink layers are deposited to increase film thickness, then luster is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple ejectors (first ejector and second ejector) that can be integrated into a single inkjet device architecture. Each ejector deposits a separate clear ink layer, and the control unit manages the sequential deposition and curing processes. This segmentation achieves enhanced luster through increased film thickness while maintaining manageable device complexity through structured control.
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 enables high luster formation while preventing luster lines by controlling the ejection amounts and curing processes, ensuring even film thickness and quality of the final image or article.
Implementation Method 1
An active energy ray curing inkjet system to irradiate active energy ray curable ink with active energy rays (for example, UV light) to cure the active energy ray curable ink
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection device includes: a move control unit configured to move any one of a first element and a second element in a main-scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main-scanning direction, the first element including a plurality of ejectors to eject active energy ray curable liquid and an active energy ray irradiator, the second element including an object to which the liquid is ejected; and a control unit configured to perform control to cause a first ejector to eject a first ejection amount of liquid, cure the first ejection amount of liquid, cause a second ejector to eject a second ejection amount of liquid onto the cured first ejection amount of liquid, and cure the second ejection amount of liquid. The first ejection amount and the second ejection amount are different from each other.