UV-Curable Ink Dot Control via Dynamic Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid discharging apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent image quality due to variations in electromagnetic wave irradiation for curing, which can be affected by printing conditions and medium types, leading to differences in the quality of printed images.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharging apparatus with nozzles that discharge UV-curable ink, featuring a controller that adjusts the irradiation amount of electromagnetic waves based on dot formation methods, including preliminary and main irradiation sections, and moves in synchronization with the nozzle row to ensure consistent curing, thereby controlling dot spreading and adjusting image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the same irradiation amount is used for curing dots regardless of printing conditions, then the device operation is simple, but image quality varies across different printing modes and medium types
Solution Approach 1:
The irradiation amount is made dynamic and adjustable based on printing conditions. The control unit changes the irradiation amount according to the selected dot formation method (serial or parallel), allowing the system to adapt to different printing modes and medium types, thereby maintaining consistent image quality across various conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The irradiation amount parameter is changed based on the dot formation method. When serial dot formation is selected, a first irradiation amount is applied; when parallel dot formation is selected, a second irradiation amount is applied. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling quality consistency without overcomplicating the operation
2Device complexity
If a single irradiation section is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively control dot spreading and ensure consistent curing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The irradiation section is divided into two separate sections: a first irradiation section that applies a first irradiation amount and a second irradiation section that applies a second irradiation amount. This segmentation allows different regions of the printed medium to receive appropriate irradiation levels, effectively controlling dot spreading and ensuring consistent curing quality across the entire image
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 solution reduces differences in image quality by controlling dot spreading and curing, ensuring consistent image quality across various printing conditions and medium types, and allows for easy adjustment of image quality without altering the driving signals.
Implementation Method 1
liquid which is cured by the irradiation of electromagnetic waves (for example, ultraviolet rays (UV))
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharging apparatus includes: nozzles which discharge liquid which is cured by the irradiation of electromagnetic waves; an irradiation section which irradiates the electromagnetic waves to dots formed on a medium by the liquid discharged from the nozzles; and a controller which controls the discharging of the liquid from the nozzles and changes the irradiation amount of the electromagnetic waves that the irradiation section irradiates, according to methods of forming the dots.