Selective Radiation Curing in Printers to Limit Thermal Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing methods using radiation-curable ink can cause damage to parts of the printing system and recording medium due to unwanted exposure to radiation when no ink is present, leading to issues like thermal expansion and damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and printer system that controls the curing unit to be in curing mode only where radiation-curable ink is applied, using individually controllable radiation emitting units to prevent radiation exposure in areas without ink, and adjusts based on thermal conductivity of the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a page-wide curing unit is used to ensure complete coverage of the recording medium, then the curing effectiveness is improved, but radiation exposure to areas without ink increases causing damage and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The curing unit is divided into multiple independently controllable radiation emitting units arranged across the width of the recording medium. Each unit can be controlled individually to emit radiation only when needed, allowing selective curing of inked areas while avoiding exposure of non-inked areas to radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different curing modes to different areas of the medium support: a first area covered by the recording medium receives radiation in curing mode, while a second area not covered by the recording medium receives radiation in non-curing mode or no radiation at all. This ensures effective curing where ink is present while preventing damage to areas without ink
2Speed
If the curing unit operates continuously to maintain readiness, then the response time is improved, but energy consumption increases and unnecessary radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation emitting units are controlled to operate periodically rather than continuously. The system switches between curing mode and non-curing mode based on the presence of ink in each area, reducing energy consumption while maintaining readiness to cure when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The curing unit operates dynamically with at least one controllable radiation emitting unit that can switch between different operating modes (curing mode and non-curing mode) based on real-time conditions, optimizing both response time and energy efficiency
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
Prevents damage to the printing system and recording medium by ensuring effective curing only where ink is present, reducing thermal expansion and enhancing print quality with glossy images.
Implementation Method 1
The curing unit is configured to emit radiation. This radiation is used to induce a polymerization reaction in ink applied onto a recording medium, thereby curing the ink.
Implementation Method 2
in case no ink is locally present, the radiation may still provide energy to the area exposed to radiation. Any object present in the exposed area, such as a non-printed portion of a recording medium or an area of a medium support, may be exposed to radiation and may be heated.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for printing and curing an image. The present invention further relates to a printer for printing and curing an image. The present invention also relates to a software product.