Image Recording Head Repeated Exposure for Plate Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses for printing plates face challenges in increasing light beam energy for reliable image recording without complicating mechanical parts or significantly decreasing recording speed.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a recording head with multiple light sources that move in a controlled manner to repeat recordings at the same position, using a controller to adjust the distance moved in the sub-scanning direction, allowing for increased light energy deposition while maintaining efficient recording speed and simplifying mechanical construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple laser light beams are brought together on the same optical axis to increase energy, then image recording reliability is improved, but mechanical structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the recording function into multiple independent light sources (e.g., four light sources) that can operate separately. Each light source has its own optical path and control mechanism, eliminating the need for complex beam combining optics while still achieving cumulative energy delivery to the recording position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple independent light sources that emit separate beams to achieve the same recording effect. Instead of combining beams optically, the system employs parallel light sources that independently deliver energy to the recording position, simplifying the optical architecture while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple beams sequentially impinge upon the same position to increase energy, then image recording reliability is improved, but image recording speed decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sequential activation of multiple light sources. The controller activates light sources in a periodic sequence during the scanning process, allowing each light source to contribute to the cumulative energy at the recording position without requiring all sources to be active simultaneously, thus maintaining recording speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by having multiple light sources operate in an overlapping or sequential manner during the scanning process. The controller coordinates the activation timing so that energy delivery continues without interruption, maintaining recording speed while accumulating sufficient energy for reliable recording.
3Reliability
If the number of repeated recordings at the same position is increased to increase energy, then image recording reliability is improved, but recording time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a subset of the available light sources for repeated recordings at the same position. The controller selectively activates only the necessary number of light sources (e.g., two out of four) to achieve the required cumulative energy, avoiding unnecessary repeated recordings that would waste time without providing additional benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of repeated recordings and the selection of light sources based on recording conditions. The controller modifies parameters such as the number of repetitions and which light sources are activated to optimize the balance between achieving sufficient energy for reliable recording and minimizing total recording time.
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 enhances the reliability of image recording by increasing light energy at the recording position without excessive mechanical complexity or speed reduction, allowing for flexible adjustment based on medium sensitivity and intensity requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium by scanning a surface of the recording medium with a light beam
Implementation Method 2
a moving part for moving the recording head relative to the recording medium in a main scanning direction and in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction
Implementation Method 3
a controller for controlling the moving part so that the recording head moves through a distance corresponding to one N-th of a recording width of the recording head in the sub-scanning direction each time the recording head makes a single scan in the main scanning direction
Implementation Method 4
This increases the energy of the light beams given to the recording position on the recording medium to accomplish the recording of an image with reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus (1) causes a recording head (20) to move through a distance corresponding to one half of the recording width of the recording head (20) in a sub-scanning direction each time a recording drum (10) makes one rotation. This, light emitting devices (23, 24) record two line data in advance, and thereafter following light emitting devices (21, 22) record the same line data repeatedly at the same position. This increases the energy of laser light beams given to a recording position on a printing plate (P) to accomplish the recording of an image with reliability. The recording speed is not extremely decreased because not all light emitting devices (21 to 24) are used to make the repeated recordings at the same position on the printing plate (P). Further, the construction of optical systems and driving systems in the image recording apparatus is not complicated.