UV Curing Device Variable Gap Intensity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printers face challenges in maintaining uniform curing conditions and image quality when printing on three-dimensional surfaces due to varying clearance between the UV irradiation device and the recording medium, which increases costs with the need for a movable UV irradiation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A curing device with a light emitting member and control system that adjusts light intensity based on the gap between the light source and the printing medium, preventing light emission when the nozzle gap exceeds a certain distance to maintain uniform curing conditions without the need for a movable UV irradiation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a movable UV irradiation mechanism is used to maintain uniform curing conditions on three-dimensional surfaces, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light intensity to compensate for varying gap distances. The control device adjusts the light intensity based on the detected gap between the light source and printing medium, emitting higher intensity when the gap is larger and lower intensity when the gap is smaller, thereby maintaining uniform curing conditions without mechanical movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system (movable UV irradiation device) with a control system that uses sensors and adjustable light intensity. Instead of physically moving the light source to maintain constant distance, the system uses optical parameter adjustment (intensity modulation) to achieve the same curing uniformity goal
2Reliability
If light intensity is increased to compensate for larger gap distances, then curing effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the light intensity parameter based on the actual gap distance. Rather than maintaining constant high intensity, the control device emits higher intensity only when the gap is larger (to ensure curing effectiveness) and reduces intensity when the gap is smaller, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliable curing
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 ensures uniform illuminance on the printing medium, suppressing a decline in image quality and reducing costs by eliminating the requirement for structures to move the light emitting member vertically.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit light to cure liquid on a printing medium
Data Source
AI summary
A curing device includes a light emitting member, and a control device. The light emitting member has a light source configured to emit light to cure liquid on a printing medium. The light source and the printing medium are configured to be located with a gap therebetween. The gap is variable among a plurality of distances including a first distance and a second distance greater than the first distance. The control device is configured to perform: controlling the light source to emit light of an intensity based on the gap so that the intensity when the gap is the second distance is greater than when the gap is the first distance.