Pre-curing Light Energy Control for Ink Blurring in UV Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining image quality regardless of whether a coating is applied, as the curing process can lead to blurring and unevenness, especially when clear ink is used.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a first nozzle for ejecting color ink, a pre-curing light source, and a main-curing light source, where the pre-curing light energy is adjusted based on the presence or absence of a second ink for coating, to control blurring and ensure consistent image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clear ink is ejected to coat the surface of the medium after pre-curing, then the surface is coated and cured, but the image quality of the printed image deteriorates due to blurring and unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pre-curing light irradiation energy adjustable based on operational conditions. The control unit dynamically changes the irradiation energy of the pre-curing light source according to whether clear ink will be subsequently ejected, allowing the system to adapt between two distinct operational modes: one optimized for image formation and another optimized for surface coating without image degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the irradiation energy parameter of the pre-curing light source. When clear ink coating is to be performed, the control unit increases the irradiation energy to achieve complete curing that prevents blurring during subsequent coating. When clear ink is not used, the irradiation energy is reduced to maintain image quality with minimal blurring. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between coating reliability and image precision.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high irradiation energy is used for pre-curing, then blurring between inks is restricted, but image quality deteriorates when clear ink coating is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pre-curing light irradiation energy based on the operational mode. In coating mode, high irradiation energy is applied to stabilize the ink dots completely, preventing blurring during clear ink application. In non-coating mode, lower irradiation energy is used to maintain dot stability while preserving image quality. This dynamic adjustment allows the same system to satisfy contradictory requirements under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The irradiation energy parameter of the pre-curing light source is changed according to whether clear ink coating will be performed. The control unit receives information about subsequent coating operations and adjusts the irradiation energy accordingly, transforming a fixed parameter into a variable one that optimizes performance for each specific operational context, thereby resolving the contradiction between dot stability and image quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If clear ink is not ejected, then image quality is maintained, but the surface coating function is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by enabling the printing apparatus to perform both high-quality image printing and surface coating functions using the same hardware components. The control unit coordinates between the ink ejection system and the pre-curing light source, allowing the system to switch between printing-only mode and printing-plus-coating mode. This universal design eliminates the need for separate coating equipment while maintaining both image quality and coating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operation based on the required function. When coating is needed, the control unit activates both the clear ink ejection and adjusts the pre-curing light irradiation energy to high levels for complete dot stabilization. When coating is not needed, the system operates in printing-only mode with lower irradiation energy to preserve image quality. This dynamic operational flexibility provides versatility without compromising the quality of either function.
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 effectively restricts blurring and maintains image quality by adjusting pre-curing light energy according to the presence of the second ink, whether it's clear or background ink, thereby enhancing glazing and preventing deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-curing light source which emits a pre-curing light to dots formed as the first ink ejected from the first nozzle is landed onto the medium
Implementation Method 2
a main-curing light source which emits a main-curing light to the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes: a first nozzle which elects a first ink used to print an image on a medium and cured by irradiation of light; a pre-curing light source which emits a pre-curing light to dots formed as the first ink ejected from the first nozzle is landed onto the medium; a second nozzle which ejects a second ink used to coat a surface of the medium and cured by irradiation of light onto the medium after being irradiated by the light from the pre-curing light source; and a main-curing light source which emits a main-curing light to the medium, wherein the irradiation energy of the light emitted to a unit area of the medium from the pre-curing light source is changed according to whether the second ink is ejected from the second nozzle.