Photocurable Ink Curing Control for Multi-Layer Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ink-jet image recording apparatuses lack a method to effectively record images on recording media with multiple types of base materials, as they do not account for varying surface states and curing requirements of different materials.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a head that discharges photocurable liquid, a light irradiator, and a controller that adjusts light exposure based on position information and curing requirements of each base material, ensuring appropriate curing for both materials by varying the light amount and duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light irradiation method is used for recording media with multiple base materials, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and curing quality deteriorate because different base materials have different surface states and curing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the light irradiation amount according to the position on the recording medium. The controller adjusts the light irradiation amount based on position information, providing different irradiation levels for different base materials (first base material and second base material) on the same recording medium, thereby optimizing curing quality for each material type without requiring separate irradiation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the light irradiation amount adjustable and variable during the recording process. The controller dynamically changes the light irradiation amount based on the detected position and type of base material, allowing the system to adapt to different curing requirements of different materials on the same medium
2Reliability
If the light irradiation amount is increased to ensure complete curing on all base materials, then the curing reliability improves, but the energy consumption increases and causes unnecessary energy wastage on materials that require less light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the light irradiation amount parameter according to the position and type of base material. The controller adjusts this parameter to provide optimal irradiation levels - sufficient for materials requiring higher light amounts while reducing irradiation for materials that cure effectively with lower amounts, thereby ensuring curing reliability while minimizing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent avoids excessive action by providing light irradiation amounts that are sufficient but not excessive for each base material type. Rather than using a uniform high irradiation amount for all materials, the system applies partial irradiation appropriate to each material's curing requirements, eliminating unnecessary energy wastage while maintaining complete curing
3Loss of energy
If the light irradiation amount is decreased to save energy, then the energy efficiency improves, but the curing reliability deteriorates for base materials that require higher light amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to optimize the light irradiation amount for each position and material type. The controller adjusts the irradiation parameter to provide exactly the right amount needed for each base material - not too much to waste energy, not too little to fail curing - thereby achieving both energy efficiency and curing reliability simultaneously
4Ease of operation
If conventional light irradiation methods are used without position-based control, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability to different base materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect the position and type of base material and adjust the light irradiation amount accordingly. The controller autonomously makes the appropriate adjustments without requiring manual intervention or complex user input, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability to different material types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using position information to control the light irradiation amount. The system detects the position of different base materials and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the irradiation parameters, enabling the system to adapt to different materials while maintaining simple operation through automated 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
Enables accurate and efficient image recording on media with multiple base materials by tailoring light exposure to the specific curing needs of each material, reducing energy wastage and ensuring consistent results.
Implementation Method 1
a head having nozzles configured to discharge photocurable liquid that is curable by light toward a recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus includes: a head which has nozzles configured to discharge a photocurable liquid that is curable by light toward a recording medium, the recording medium including a first base material and a second base material having a surface state different from a surface state of the first base material; a light irradiator which is configured to irradiate the light onto the photocurable liquid disposed on the recording medium; a movement mechanism which is configured to relatively move the recording medium, and the head and the light irradiator in a movement direction; and a controller configured to execute a recording process; an information acquiring process; an irradiation light amount acquiring process; and a first light irradiation process.