Ultraviolet Irradiation Reflector Geometry for Ink Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejection apparatuses face inefficiencies in ultraviolet light irradiation due to wide diffusion, leading to ineffective curing of ultraviolet-curable ink on a medium.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a carriage with a liquid ejection unit and an irradiation unit arranged side by side, emitting ultraviolet light at a specific angle and distance to ensure efficient irradiation, utilizing a reflective surface to direct light effectively onto the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the ultraviolet light is emitted widely diffused, then the irradiation area is increased, but the curing efficiency of the liquid decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform light distribution pattern where the central region receives higher intensity ultraviolet light for efficient curing, while the peripheral regions receive progressively less intensity. This is achieved through the specific geometric configuration of the light source and reflective surfaces, which concentrate light energy where it is most needed for curing the ejected liquid, thereby maintaining high curing efficiency across the irradiation area.
2Area of stationary object
If the distance between the irradiation unit and medium is increased, then the irradiation area is expanded, but the light intensity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dimensional change by utilizing a three-dimensional reflective surface structure (including side surfaces and bottom surfaces) to redirect ultraviolet light from the light source onto the medium. This multi-dimensional light redirection system allows the irradiation unit to maintain effective light intensity across a larger area by bouncing light through multiple paths and angles, compensating for the intensity loss that would normally occur with increased distance.
3Manufacturing precision
If the angle of the reflective surface is optimized, then the light directionality is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the reflective surfaces with specific non-uniform angles - the side surfaces and bottom surface are arranged at different angles relative to the light source, creating an asymmetric light reflection pattern. This asymmetric configuration optimizes light directionality to focus energy where needed while avoiding the complexity of precise symmetric alignment, achieving effective light control through deliberate angular variations in the reflective structure.
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 configuration enhances the curing efficiency of ultraviolet-curable ink by optimizing the irradiation path and intensity, reducing the risk of ink adhesion and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective surface configured to reflect at least a part of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet light source configured to emit the ultraviolet light toward a second direction crossing the first direction
Implementation Method 3
a liquid ejection unit configured to eject a liquid that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light onto a medium
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection unit configured to eject a liquid that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light onto a medium, an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the liquid ejected with ultraviolet light, a carriage loaded with the liquid ejection unit and the irradiation unit so as to be arranged side, and a motor configured to move the carriage, wherein the irradiation unit includes an ultraviolet light source configured to emit the ultraviolet light toward a second direction, and a reflective surface configured to reflect at least a part of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source, and an angle between an extending direction of the reflective surface and the second direction is 5 degrees or more and 15 degrees or less in a cross-sectional view of the irradiation unit viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second direction.


