UV Irradiator Positioning for Faster, Lower-Energy Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers with ultraviolet curable ink systems face inefficiencies due to wasteful irradiation areas when switching between normal and special printing modes, as the position of the ultraviolet irradiator cannot be adjusted to optimize for either mode, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced printing speed.
Innovation Solution
A printer configuration that allows the ultraviolet irradiator to be positioned differently based on the printing mode by using a fixing structure with multiple attachment points, enabling the irradiator to be fixed at either a front or rear position relative to the carriage, optimizing the irradiation area for unidirectional or bidirectional conveying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ultraviolet irradiator is positioned to accommodate special printing with bidirectional conveying, then the irradiation area covers both front and rear sides, but wasteful irradiation area is created on the rear side when unidirectional normal printing is used
Solution Approach 1:
The ultraviolet irradiator is made dynamically repositionable between front and rear positions relative to the carriage using a motor-driven mechanism. This allows the system to adapt its irradiation area configuration dynamically based on whether unidirectional normal printing or bidirectional special printing is being performed, eliminating wasteful irradiation in unidirectional mode while maintaining comprehensive coverage in bidirectional mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultraviolet irradiator assembly is designed with multi-functionality to serve both unidirectional and bidirectional printing modes. By incorporating a repositioning mechanism with multiple fixing portions, a single irradiator structure can universally accommodate different printing configurations, replacing the need for separate fixed-position irradiators for each printing mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ultraviolet irradiator is positioned to accommodate special printing with bidirectional conveying, then the irradiation area covers both front and rear sides, but printing speed is reduced due to expanded irradiation area
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven repositioning mechanism enables the ultraviolet irradiator to dynamically adjust its position between front and rear configurations. During unidirectional normal printing, the irradiator is positioned to provide focused irradiation only on the front side, reducing the effective irradiation area and enabling faster printing speeds. During bidirectional special printing, the irradiator repositions to cover both front and rear sides, ensuring complete curing coverage.
3Device complexity
If the ultraviolet irradiator is fixed in a single position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot optimize for both unidirectional and bidirectional printing modes
Solution Approach 1:
A motor-driven repositioning mechanism is introduced to enable the ultraviolet irradiator to switch between front and rear positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize performance for both unidirectional and bidirectional printing modes while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated structure through the use of a single movable irradiator assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultraviolet irradiator assembly is designed as a separable unit that can be independently repositioned relative to the carriage. The fixing portions are provided as discrete attachment points on the carriage, allowing the irradiator to be selectively secured at different positions. This segmentation enables flexible configuration without requiring complete structural redesign.
4Productivity
If the ultraviolet irradiator is repositioned between front and rear positions, then printing speed and energy efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A motor-driven repositioning mechanism is employed to enable dynamic adjustment of the ultraviolet irradiator position between front and rear configurations. This motorized system provides automated control with minimal manual intervention, improving printing speed and energy efficiency while keeping the structural complexity manageable through the use of a single integrated movable assembly rather than multiple fixed 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 eliminates wasteful irradiation areas, allowing for increased printing speed and reduced energy consumption by ensuring the irradiation area aligns with the required curing needs of the ink, regardless of the printing mode.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet irradiator that irradiates the discharged ultraviolet curable ink with ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a conveyor to convey a medium placed on a table, an ink head including a first nozzle group to discharge a first ultraviolet curable ink and a second nozzle group to discharge a second ultraviolet curable ink before or after the first ultraviolet curable ink is discharged, and mounted on a carriage, an ultraviolet irradiator on the carriage to irradiate the ultraviolet curable inks discharged onto the medium with ultraviolet light, and an attachment structure including fixing portions to fix the ultraviolet irradiator. A position of the ultraviolet irradiator with respect to the carriage is changeable by selecting one of the fixing portions depending on whether a conveying direction of the table is unidirectional or bidirectional.