Optical Vortex Laser Material Flying Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately flying and attaching high-viscosity light-absorbing materials, particularly those with viscosities above 10 mPa·s, due to scattering issues and poor resolution caused by large nozzle diameters and fluctuations in ink bearer gaps.

Innovation Solution

A light-absorbing material flying apparatus that employs an optical vortex laser beam corresponding to the light absorption wavelength of the material, irradiating the light-absorbing material from the back of a transparent bearer to minimize scattering and achieve precise attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a large nozzle diameter is used to fly high-viscosity ink, then the flow resistance is suppressed, but the resolution deteriorates due to large droplet size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflowability of high-viscosity materialVSAvoidresolution of printed image

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical inkjet nozzle system with an optical system using laser beams to fly and attach light-absorbing materials. This substitution eliminates the need for large nozzles required for high-viscosity materials, as the optical system can precisely manipulate individual particles or droplets regardless of material viscosity, thereby maintaining high resolution while handling high-viscosity materials effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If thermal energy is applied to fly high-viscosity ink from a flat bearer, then the ink can be flown to desired positions, but the ink bearer gap fluctuation causes scattering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to fly high-viscosity materialVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of flown material

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal field system with an optical field system using laser beams. The laser beams directly accelerate and attach light-absorbing materials without requiring thermal energy application to a flat bearer. This eliminates the positioning errors caused by ink bearer gap fluctuations, as the optical system can precisely control the flight trajectory and attachment position of materials regardless of bearer variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the flying mechanism from thermal energy (heat) to optical energy (laser). By using laser beams with specific wavelengths that correspond to the light absorption characteristics of the materials, the system achieves precise control over material flight and attachment, eliminating scattering issues while maintaining the ability to handle high-viscosity materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional laser irradiation is used to fly light-absorbing material, then the material can be accelerated, but scattering occurs reducing attachment precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of material flightVSAvoidattachment position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the laser to specifically match the light absorption characteristics of the light-absorbing materials. By using laser wavelengths that correspond to the maximum light absorption of the materials, the system achieves efficient energy transfer for acceleration while maintaining precise control over the flight trajectory and attachment position, thereby eliminating scattering and improving attachment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the stable and scattering-suppressed flight and attachment of high-viscosity light-absorbing materials on an attachment target, improving resolution and versatility in image formation and three-dimensional object production.

Implementation Method 1

irradiate the light-absorbing material with an optical vortex laser beam corresponding to a light absorption wavelength of the light-absorbing material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

optical vortex laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical vortex: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 3

fly the light-absorbing material by an energy of the optical vortex laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation pressure: Radiation Pressure

Data Source

PatentEP3263339B1Light-absorbing material jetting device, light-absorbing material jetting method, and applications using same

Publication Date: 2019.11.06 RICOH CO LTD

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Provided is a light-absorbing material flying apparatus including: a light-absorbing material that absorbs light; and a light-absorbing material flying section configured to irradiate the light-absorbing material with an optical vortex laser beam corresponding to a light absorption wavelength of the light-absorbing material to fly the light-absorbing material by an energy of the optical vortex laser beam in a direction in which the optical vortex laser beam is emitted to attach the light-absorbing material on an attachment target.