Printing Irradiator Rows for Gap-Based Ink Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid jetting apparatuses face issues with thermal degradation of light sources due to varying light intensities, leading to a reduced lifespan of the irradiating part.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a controller that adjusts the number of light sources activated based on the gap between the irradiator and the printing medium, switching off central light source rows when the gap is smaller to reduce thermal stress and prolong the life of the irradiating part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light intensity is increased to cure the liquid when the distance is larger, then the curing effect is improved, but the light sources are heated and deteriorate thermally
Solution Approach 1:
The irradiating part is divided into multiple light source rows (first light source row, second light source row, third light source row) arranged in the first direction. The controller selectively activates different light source rows based on the gap distance, so that not all light sources operate simultaneously at full intensity, thereby reducing thermal accumulation while maintaining sufficient curing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active light source rows based on the detected gap distance. When the gap is the first distance, the controller activates more light source rows to provide higher light intensity for curing. When the gap is the second distance, the controller activates fewer light source rows to reduce thermal heating, thus extending light source lifetime.
2Productivity
If the number of light sources activated is increased to maintain curing effect at larger gaps, then the curing effectiveness is improved, but the thermal stress on light sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different light source rows are activated selectively based on the gap condition. When the gap is larger, the controller activates light source rows that are spatially distributed to provide sufficient curing intensity at the printing medium location. When the gap is smaller, the controller activates fewer light source rows, reducing thermal stress while maintaining adequate curing effect through optimized light distribution.
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 extends the lifetime of the irradiating part by reducing thermal deterioration and energy consumption while maintaining effective ink curing, even at varying gaps.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiator including a plurality of light source rows configured to irradiate the ink on the printing medium with a light
Implementation Method 2
a head including a plurality of nozzles configured to discharge an ink having photo-curing property to a printing medium
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a printing apparatus including a head; an irradiator including a plurality of light source rows; a carriage; and a controller. The controller is configured to: execute a first obtaining operation of obtaining a gap between the irradiator and a printing medium; execute a discharging operation of discharging an ink from the head to the printing medium; execute an irradiating operation of irradiating the ink on the printing medium with a light from the irradiator; and switch off a part of the plurality of light source rows in a case that the gap is a second gap. A number of the plurality of light sources switched on in a case that the gap is a first gap is greater than a number of the plurality of light sources switched on in the case that the gap is the second gap smaller than the first gap.