UV Curing Control for Inkjet Platen Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printers using UV-curable ink face issues with ink mist and satellite ink, leading to adhesion on the platen, which is then transferred to the print medium, as the ink does not dry naturally and cure properly.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection apparatus with a control device that manages a liquid ejection head, a supporting member, and a light applying apparatus, allowing for a curing mode where ultraviolet light is directly applied to the supporting member to cure any adhering ink, preventing transfer to the ejection target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UV-curable ink is ejected from the inkjet head to the print medium, then printing function is achieved, but ink mist and satellite ink adhere to the platen causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by curing any ink that adheres to the platen immediately after ejection but before it can transfer to the print medium. The control device executes a curing mode that directly applies ultraviolet light to the platen surface following liquid ejection, preventing the ink from being transferred while maintaining the printing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of ink adhering to the platen into a beneficial outcome by using the same ultraviolet light curing mechanism to treat the adhered ink. Instead of letting the adhered ink cause contamination, the system applies light to cure it in place, transforming the potential harm into a solution that eliminates the contamination problem.
2Manufacturing precision
If ultraviolet light is applied to cure ink on the print medium, then print quality is improved, but additional processing time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the curing functions into a single integrated light applying apparatus that can operate in two modes: curing ink on the print medium during normal printing operations, and directly curing ink on the platen surface. This consolidation allows the system to maintain high print quality while reducing total processing time by preventing contamination rather than requiring separate cleaning or reprocessing steps.
3Area of stationary object
If the inkjet head moves along the guide rail to eject ink, then printing coverage is achieved, but ink mist transfers to the platen due to movement-induced dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the blessing in disguise principle by taking the ink mist that disperses onto the platen during the inkjet head's movement along the guide rail and converting this harmful dispersion into a beneficial curing opportunity. The control device executes a curing mode that directly applies ultraviolet light to the platen, curing the dispersed ink mist in place before it can transfer to subsequent print media, thus maintaining full printing coverage while eliminating contamination.
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
Prevents ink adhesion on the supporting member from transferring to the print medium by ensuring the ink is fully cured, maintaining print quality and reducing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a light applying apparatus which applies light for curing the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a liquid ejection head which ejects photo-curable liquid from a nozzle; a supporting member which supports, from a side opposite to the liquid ejection head, an ejection target to which the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection head; a light applying apparatus which applies light for curing the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head; and a control device which controls the liquid ejection head and the light applying apparatus. The control device controls the liquid ejection head and the light applying apparatus to execute: a liquid ejection mode in which the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection head to the ejection target and the light is applied from the light applying apparatus to the ejection target; and a curing mode in which the light is directly applied from the light applying apparatus to the supporting member.