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

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation areaVSAvoidcuring efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation areaVSAvoidlight intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the angle of the reflective surface is optimized, then the light directionality is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight directionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an ultraviolet light source configured to emit the ultraviolet light toward a second direction crossing the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 3

a liquid ejection unit configured to eject a liquid that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light onto a medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20250296359A1Liquid ejection apparatus and ultraviolet irradiation apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.25 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US20250296359A1 patent drawing
  • US20250296359A1 patent drawing
  • US20250296359A1 patent drawing

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.