UV Inkjet Carriage Speed Control for Curing Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
The viscosity of ultraviolet curing type ink changes with temperature, affecting the behavior of ink from adhesion to curing, leading to potential differences in recording quality due to temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A recording device with a head for discharging ultraviolet curing type ink, an irradiation unit for ultraviolet rays, a carriage, and a control unit that manages the movement mechanism and irradiation unit. The device performs a forward operation for ink discharge and a return operation for ultraviolet irradiation, with the carriage moving at a higher speed during the return operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the carriage moves at a constant speed during both forward and return operations, then the structure is simple and easy to control, but the time from ink adhesion to curing is prolonged, causing temperature differences to affect recording quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the carriage speed variable rather than constant. The control unit dynamically adjusts the carriage speed based on the operation phase: using a first speed during the forward operation (ink discharge) and a second, higher speed during the return operation (irradiation only). This dynamic speed adjustment reduces the total time from ink adhesion to curing while maintaining recording quality, directly resolving the technical contradiction.
2Loss of time
If the carriage moves faster during the return operation, then the time from ink adhesion to curing is shortened, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the speed parameter of the carriage during different operation phases. The control unit changes the speed parameter from a first speed during forward operation to a second, higher speed during return operation. This parameter change approach efficiently reduces curing time without requiring complex mechanical modifications, as the speed adjustment is achieved through control software rather than hardware complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the ink remains on the medium longer before curing, then the ink has time to spread and adjust, but temperature differences cause uneven color development and reduced recording quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the skipping principle by rushing through the return operation at a higher speed. During the return operation, since no ink is being discharged, the carriage can move faster to quickly complete the irradiation process. This rushing through of the non-critical phase (return operation) reduces the overall time the ink remains in a vulnerable state, preventing temperature differences from causing uneven color development while maintaining recording quality.
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 ensures quick curing of the ink, minimizing the impact of temperature differences on recording quality by shortening the time from ink adhesion to curing.
Implementation Method 1
an ink of ultraviolet curing type that cures by irradiation of ultraviolet rays
Data Source
AI summary
A recording device including a head configured to discharge an ink of ultraviolet curing type, an irradiation unit configured to irradiate a medium with an ultraviolet ray, a carriage mounted with the head and the irradiation unit, a movement mechanism configured to perform a forward operation in which the carriage is moved in a first direction and a return operation in which the carriage is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a control unit configured to control the movement mechanism and the irradiation unit, in which the control unit causes the head to execute discharge of the ink in the forward operation, and causes at least the irradiation unit to execute irradiation in the return operation, and makes a moving speed of the carriage in the return operation higher than a moving speed of the carriage in the forward operation.