UV Irradiator Positioning for Uniform Clear Ink Curing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid discharging apparatuses for ultraviolet light-curable inks result in uneven surface conditions and varying glossy feelings due to inconsistent curing of clear ink, leading to fluctuations in the printed surface's glossy appearance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharging apparatus with a conveyor, a discharging head for ultraviolet light-curable clear ink, and an ultraviolet irradiator positioned differently, where the carriage moves in a direction crossing the conveyor direction, allowing for controlled discharge and irradiation of the ink, ensuring uniform curing by moving the ink into the irradiation range after discharge and adjusting the distance and intensity of ultraviolet light for even curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If clear ink is discharged uniformly on the printed surface, then the glossy feeling should be consistent, but unevenness is generated in surface condition depending on the way of curing the clear ink, causing the glossy feeling to vary or fluctuate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the curing process into two separate stages performed by distinct ultraviolet irradiators: a first ultraviolet irradiator that irradiates the clear ink in the sub-scanning direction, and a second ultraviolet irradiator that irradiates in the main scanning direction. This segmentation of the curing function into directional components resolves the contradiction by ensuring uniform surface condition through systematic multi-directional irradiation, thereby achieving consistent glossy feeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different irradiation characteristics to different regions of the clear ink by using two ultraviolet irradiators with different irradiation directions. The first ultraviolet irradiator provides irradiation from one direction while the second provides irradiation from another direction, creating locally optimized curing conditions that collectively achieve uniform surface condition and consistent glossy feeling across the entire printed surface.
2Device complexity
If ultraviolet irradiator is positioned at the same location as discharging head, then the curing process is simplified, but the clear ink cannot be properly levelled before curing, resulting in surface unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the ultraviolet irradiation function into two spatially distinct ultraviolet irradiators positioned at different locations relative to the discharging head. The first ultraviolet irradiator is arranged at a position different from the discharging head in the sub-scanning direction, while the second is arranged in the main scanning direction. This segmentation allows the clear ink to be properly levelled and cured uniformly without requiring the ultraviolet irradiator to be at the same location as the discharging head, thus maintaining surface flatness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-dimensional irradiation by positioning ultraviolet irradiators in different spatial dimensions relative to the discharging head and recording medium. The first ultraviolet irradiator irradiates from one dimensional orientation (sub-scanning direction) while the second irradiates from another orientation (main scanning direction), enabling proper levelling and curing without simplifying the system to a single-location configuration.
3Device complexity
If single ultraviolet irradiator is used, then the device structure is simplified, but uniform curing of clear ink cannot be achieved, leading to surface unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ultraviolet irradiation task into two separate ultraviolet irradiators with distinct functional roles and irradiation directions. The first ultraviolet irradiator is configured to irradiate the clear ink from one direction while the second ultraviolet irradiator irradiates from another direction. This segmentation of the curing function enables uniform curing that cannot be achieved with a single ultraviolet irradiator, while avoiding excessive complexity by using exactly two irradiators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies localized irradiation characteristics by positioning the first ultraviolet irradiator at a specific location different from the discharging head in the sub-scanning direction, and the second ultraviolet irradiator at a location different in the main scanning direction. Each ultraviolet irradiator provides locally optimized irradiation that contributes to overall curing uniformity, achieving manufacturing precision without requiring a larger number of irradiators.
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 ensures uniform surface conditions and stable glossy feelings by levelling and uniformly curing the clear ink, reducing unevenness and fluctuations in the printed surface's glossiness.
Implementation Method 1
By irradiating ink droplets landed on the recording medium with an ultraviolet light, the ink is cured to thereby fix the ink to the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharging apparatus includes: a conveyor configured to convey a recording medium in a first direction; a discharging head configured to discharge an ultraviolet light-curable clear ink to the recording medium; an ultraviolet irradiator configured to irradiate, with ultraviolet light, the clear ink discharged to the recording medium, and arranged at a position different from the discharging head in the first direction; and a carriage configured to move in a second direction crossing the first direction, and having the discharging head and the ultraviolet irradiator mounted thereon.