UV Ink Jet Gear Pump Oxygen Control for Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ink jet methods using ultraviolet-curable ink face challenges with polymerization reactions occurring in gear pumps due to frictional heat, leading to reduced durability and stability issues, particularly with gear pumps and diaphragm pumps experiencing polymerization product fixation and flow rate instability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an air supply mechanism upstream of the gear pump to control the dissolved oxygen levels in the ink, with an air supply area of 0.3 to 1.0 m2 and flow rate of 50 g/min to 400 g/min, which helps inhibit polymerization reactions and enhance gear pump durability and discharge stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gear pump is used to transport ultraviolet-curable ink, then the durability and discharge amount stability are improved, but polymerization reactions occur due to frictional heat causing polymerization products to fix to the gears and stop the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) into the gear pump system to displace oxygen and prevent polymerization reactions. The inert gas is supplied through a gas supply hole in the gear pump cover, creating an oxygen-depleted environment that prevents monomer polymerization while allowing the gear pump to maintain its reliable liquid transport function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical environment parameter by introducing inert gas to alter the oxygen concentration in the gear pump. This parameter change from atmospheric oxygen to inert atmosphere prevents the polymerization reaction without affecting the mechanical function of the gear pump, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and polymerization inhibition.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a tube pump is used to transport ultraviolet-curable ink, then polymerization product fixation is reduced, but the tube is easily damaged reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a tube pump combined with inert atmosphere supply to achieve both benefits: the tube pump structure prevents polymerization product fixation while the inert gas environment prevents polymerization reactions, and the robust tube construction provides durability against damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the tube pump structure with inert gas supply system, creating a composite solution that leverages the durability of the tube material and the chemical protection of the inert atmosphere to simultaneously achieve low polymerization fixation and high durability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a diaphragm pump is used to transport ultraviolet-curable ink, then polymerization product fixation is reduced, but discharge amount stability is poor due to difficulty in maintaining fixed flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines diaphragm pump with inert atmosphere supply to achieve reduced polymerization fixation while the diaphragm pump's inherent flow control mechanism maintains discharge amount stability through the inert gas environment that prevents polymerization-induced flow variations.
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 air supply mechanism effectively suppresses polymerization reactions within the gear pump, improving the durability and discharge stability of the ink jet apparatus by maintaining optimal oxygen levels, thereby ensuring consistent ink flow and extended equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply mechanism that supplies air to the radiation curable composition further to the upstream side in the flow direction than the gear pump
Implementation Method 2
a gear pump that causes the radiation-curable composition to flow in the composition flow channel
Implementation Method 3
the ink jet method using ultraviolet-curable ink in which a monomer is photopolymerized (cured) through radiation of light
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet method includes supplying a radiation curable composition to a discharging head via a composition flow channel; and discharging the radiation curable composition from the discharging head, in which the composition flow channel includes a gear pump that causes the radiation-curable composition to flow in the composition flow channel, and an air supply mechanism that supplies air to the radiation curable composition further to the upstream side in the flow direction than the gear pump.