UV Curing Head Positioning to Prevent Nozzle Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses with ultraviolet light curable ink face issues due to unintended irradiation of the ink head aiding system by the ultraviolet light irradiation device, leading to premature curing and reduced performance, as the device may turn on unexpectedly when moving with the ink head.
Innovation Solution
The ultraviolet light irradiation devices are positioned in a manner that ensures they are turned off before reaching the ink head aiding system, and their placement is such that they cure ink only after it has moved beyond the aiding system, preventing premature curing and maintaining the ink head's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the ultraviolet light irradiation device moves with the ink head to irradiate ultraviolet light on desired portions, then unnecessary irradiation is suppressed, but the device may inadvertently irradiate the ink head aiding system causing premature curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ultraviolet light irradiation device into a fixed portion (attached to the ink head) and a movable portion (that can be positioned independently). This segmentation allows the movable portion to be retracted or positioned away from the ink head aiding system, preventing inadvertent irradiation while maintaining the ability to irradiate desired portions of the recording medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the ultraviolet light irradiation device can be extracted or separated from the ink head aiding system's operational area. By making the irradiation capability movable and independent, the system can take the irradiation function out of the potential hazard zone (near the ink head aiding system) when not needed, preventing premature curing.
2Productivity
If the ultraviolet light irradiation device is positioned close to the ink head for precise irradiation, then printing efficiency is improved, but the risk of unintended irradiation to the ink head aiding system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the movable portion of the ultraviolet light irradiation device can adjust its position relative to the ink head. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain close proximity for efficient irradiation during printing while being able to move away or retract when near the ink head aiding system, thus avoiding unintended exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor the position of the ink head and ultraviolet light irradiation device. When the system detects that the movable portion is approaching the ink head aiding system, it can automatically adjust positioning or deactivate irradiation, providing feedback-based protection against unintended ultraviolet light exposure.
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 effectively prevents premature curing of the ink head aiding system components, ensuring the ink jet recording apparatus maintains optimal performance by ensuring the ultraviolet light is only applied to the ink on the recording medium after it has spread and become suitable for curing, thus improving print quality and extending the life of the aiding system components.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light irradiation device coupled to the ink head in a freely movable manner in the second direction, and comprising an irradiation section disposed opposite to the recording medium during the print operation for irradiating ultraviolet light onto the ultraviolet light curable ink discharged on the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet recording apparatus is provided. The ink jet recording apparatus includes a supporting member for supporting a recording medium, an ink head comprising a nozzle surface disposed opposite the recording medium during a print operation, an ultraviolet light irradiation device coupled to the ink head in a freely movable manner, an ink head aiding system comprising a plurality of elements including at least a wiper for wiping the nozzle surface of the ink head or a cap for covering the nozzle surface of the ink head, and at least a portion of the irradiation section of the ultraviolet light irradiation device is located in front of at least one of the elements of the ink head aiding system.