UV Curing Positioning for Nozzle Protection in Image Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording apparatuses using radiation-curable inks face challenges with clogging and image quality due to ultraviolet radiation exposure, especially when using a platen drum with a curved surface, as existing radiation prevention technologies are not directly applicable and can lead to bleeding and thickened lines.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a supporting member having a curved surface, a head with ejection openings, and a controlled first irradiation section that positions the radiation source downstream of ink dot formation, ensuring the radiation does not reach the nozzle surface and adjusting transportation speed to prevent ink dot overlap, along with an optional second irradiation section for staged curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the ultraviolet irradiation unit is located close to the head to cure ink dots before spreading, then image quality is improved by preventing bleeding, but the ejection openings of the nozzle become clogged due to ultraviolet radiation curing the ink in the ejection openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the irradiation process into two distinct sections: a first irradiation section that cures ink dots at a first irradiation point, and a second irradiation section that cures ink dots at a second irradiation point downstream. This segmentation allows the first irradiation section to be positioned without directly exposing the nozzle surface to ultraviolet radiation, thereby preventing clogging while still achieving effective curing of the ink dots on the recording medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by positioning the first irradiation point downstream from the dot formation point along the transport direction. This dimensional arrangement ensures that the ultraviolet radiation from the first irradiation section does not reach the nozzle surface, as the irradiation occurs at a different location in the transport sequence, thus resolving the contradiction between curing effectiveness and nozzle protection.
2Reliability
If the first irradiation point is positioned downstream of the dot formation point to prevent nozzle clogging, then nozzle reliability is improved, but the time required for ink dots to reach the irradiation point increases causing potential overlap and bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the transportation speed of the recording medium to ensure that ink dots reach the first irradiation point within a controlled time period. This dynamic speed control prevents excessive spreading and overlap of ink dots during transport, maintaining image quality while allowing the first irradiation point to be positioned downstream for nozzle protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary curing by positioning the first irradiation section to cure ink dots before they spread excessively. The second irradiation section then provides additional curing at a downstream location, ensuring complete fixation. This two-stage preliminary action prevents bleeding while maintaining nozzle reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a platen drum with a curved surface is used to transport the recording medium, then the apparatus can handle flexible media and improve adaptability, but existing radiation prevention technologies cannot be directly applied leading to potential clogging and quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the irradiation function into two separate sections positioned at different locations along the platen drum. This segmentation allows the first irradiation section to cure ink dots at a controlled distance from the nozzle without direct exposure to the nozzle surface, while the second irradiation section provides additional curing downstream. This approach adapts the radiation prevention concept to the curved surface geometry of the platen drum, maintaining both adaptability and image 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 allows for high-quality, stable image recording by preventing nozzle clogging and ink dot overlap, maintaining image quality while using a curved surface to hold the recording medium, and offering flexibility in design with staged curing.
Implementation Method 1
The first irradiation section irradiates the ink dots with first radiation and cures the ink dots at a first irradiation point
Implementation Method 2
The first irradiation section has a light source that generates the first radiation and an aperture that defines the reach of the first radiation emitted from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A first irradiation section has a light source and an emitting member. The light source generates radiation, and the emitting member is located between a first irradiation point and a virtual plane that extends through the edge of a nozzle surface closest to the first irradiation section tangentially to a curved surface. The radiation generated by the light source goes out through the emitting member. A control section controls a transportation speed in such a manner that ink dots formed at a dot formation point should move to the first irradiation point in a second time period that is equal to or shorter than a first time period. The first time period is the time period from the time immediately after the ink dots are formed to the time when the diameter of the ink dots reaches twice the nozzle pitch.