UV Curing System with Angled Optical Axis to Reduce Backscatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UV curing systems face issues with backscatter radiation, which can prematurely cure UV curable materials before they reach the substrate, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance challenges, especially in inkjet printing applications where precise curing is critical.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing and UV curing system with a UV radiation source assembly featuring a dual optical axis design, where the UV radiation source has a first optical axis and an optical element with a second optical axis, configured to direct UV radiation at an angle away from the dispenser, minimizing backscatter radiation and ensuring effective curing on the substrate while maintaining a compact and cost-effective setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UV radiation is directed perpendicular to the substrate for effective curing, then curing efficiency is improved, but backscatter radiation prematurely cures the UV curable material in the dispenser nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting the UV radiation source at a non-perpendicular angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the substrate surface. This asymmetric configuration redirects the backscatter radiation away from the dispenser nozzle, preventing premature curing of the UV curable material while maintaining effective curing on the substrate through the angled irradiation path
2Volume of moving object
If the UV radiation source is positioned close to the dispenser for compact design, then system compactness is improved, but backscatter radiation affects the dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by introducing angular separation in the spatial configuration. Instead of increasing linear distance, the UV radiation source is positioned at an angled orientation relative to the substrate and dispenser assembly. This dimensional change in positioning allows the radiation to strike the substrate at an angle that directs backscatter away from the dispenser, achieving both compactness and radiation protection
3Reliability
If conventional UV curing systems are used, then curing function is achieved, but maintenance complexity increases due to premature curing of material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by configuring the UV radiation source angle to preemptively prevent backscatter radiation from reaching the dispenser nozzle. This preliminary protective measure stops the harmful effect before it can cause premature curing of the UV curable material, thereby eliminating the maintenance issues that would otherwise arise from nozzle clogging and material hardening
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
The system effectively reduces backscatter radiation to the dispenser, ensuring reliable and efficient curing of UV curable materials with minimal irradiance loss, extending the operational life of the UV curing assembly and maintaining high irradiance profiles, thus preventing premature curing and maintaining system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a substantial portion of backscatter radiation off the substrate is directed away from the UV curable material traveling between the dispenser and the substrate
Implementation Method 2
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be used to cure UV curable materials, such as inks, adhesives, coatings, etc.
Implementation Method 3
A heat sink, with a plurality of fins, is thermally coupled to the UV radiation source
Implementation Method 4
A heat sink, with a plurality of fins, is thermally coupled to the UV radiation source
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing and ultraviolet (UV) curing system is disclosed with low backscatter. The system includes a dispenser for dispensing an ultraviolet (UV) curable material onto a substrate and a UV radiation source assembly coupled to the dispenser and operable to facilitate curing the UV curable material that has been dispensed onto the substrate. The UV radiation source assembly has a UV radiation source with a first optical axis and an optical element with a second optical axis. The second optical axis is different than the first optical axis. The optical element is configured such that, during operation, UV radiation from the UV radiation source passes through the optical element.