Optical Pigment Concentration Detection in Liquid Electro-Photography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid electro-photography (LEP) printing devices face challenges in maintaining a constant concentration of solid pigment particles within the carrier liquid, which is crucial for proper printing quality, as existing methods lack efficient and reliable methods for accurate measurement.
Innovation Solution
A detecting apparatus utilizing a transmitted light path with light sources and detectors, emitting and detecting light that is either directly transmitted, absorbed, or diverged by the pigment particles, allowing for the determination of pigment concentration through processing the intensity of these light interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used for pigment concentration, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient for accurate concentration determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or chemical measurement methods with an optical detection system. Light sources emit light through the carrier liquid, and light detectors measure the transmitted light intensity. The pigment concentration is determined by analyzing the attenuation of light, substituting complex mechanical measurement apparatus with a simpler optical system that provides higher measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to measure pigment concentration indirectly. Instead of directly measuring pigment particles, the system uses light transmission through the carrier liquid as a mediator. The light intensity changes caused by pigment absorption and scattering provide information about concentration without requiring direct interaction with the pigment particles.
2Measurement precision
If light interaction methods are used to determine pigment concentration, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional light sources and detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection apparatus is designed to serve multiple functions within a single integrated system. The same light sources and detectors used for concentration measurement can potentially be used for other monitoring functions in the LEP printing device. The system processes multiple types of light interactions (absorption, scattering, transmission) using the same basic components, reducing the need for separate specialized devices for each measurement function.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring of pigment concentration is implemented, then the reliability of printing quality is improved, but the productivity decreases due to additional measurement time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements concentration measurement capability that can be used both during ink formulation and during printing operations. By having the detection apparatus ready in advance and capable of quick measurements, the system can perform preliminary concentration checks without significantly delaying the formulation process. The same apparatus can also perform real-time monitoring during printing, ensuring quality consistency without requiring separate measurement equipment.
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 approach enables precise monitoring and maintenance of pigment concentration, simplifying the determination process and reducing dependence on particle characteristics, thereby ensuring consistent and optimal printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
detecting light that has been transmitted through the carrier liquid without being absorbed or diverged by the colorants
Implementation Method 2
detecting light that has been diverged by the colorants
Data Source
AI summary
A detecting apparatus is to at least assist in determining the concentration of colorants within a carrier liquid. The colorants at least absorb light and/or diverge light. The detecting apparatus includes one or more light sources to emit light, and one or more light detectors to detect light. The light sources and the light detectors are positionally configured in relation to one another such that both light directly emitted by the light sources and that has not been absorbed or diverged by the colorants, as well as light diverged by the colorants within the carrier liquid, are detected and/or determined. The concentration of colorants is determined based on the light directly emitted by the light sources that has not been absorbed or diverged by the colorants and/or on the light diverged by the colorants within the carrier liquid.