UV LED Array Segmentation for Inkjet Curing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses cannot alter ultraviolet ray irradiation intensity in the sub-scanning direction, leading to inconsistent printing quality for multi-path printing, as partition members block ultraviolet rays unevenly.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording apparatus with a carriage moving in the main scanning direction, equipped with ink nozzles and ultraviolet irradiating means, where ultraviolet light sources are arranged in the sub-scanning direction and partition walls block irradiation to control intensity, allowing for variable ultraviolet exposure based on image requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If partition members are mounted to block ultraviolet rays in the ultraviolet irradiator, then ultraviolet rays can be blocked in the main scanning direction, but ultraviolet rays in the sub-scanning direction cannot be blocked because the partition members are formed as plate shape extended in the sub-scanning direction
Solution Approach 1:
The partition members are divided into multiple segments along the sub-scanning direction, with each segment independently controllable. This segmentation allows selective blocking of ultraviolet rays to different bands in the sub-scanning direction, enabling intensity control for multi-path printing while maintaining the blocking function in the main scanning direction
Solution Approach 2:
The partition members are made movable or adjustable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic control of ultraviolet ray blocking. This enables the system to adaptively control the intensity of ultraviolet irradiation in the sub-scanning direction based on printing requirements, resolving the contradiction between fixed blocking and flexible control
2Device complexity
If the same ultraviolet ray irradiation intensity is applied to all bands in the sub-scanning direction, then the structure is simple, but printing quality cannot be improved for multi-path printing where neighboring bands require different curing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ultraviolet irradiation system is segmented into multiple independently controllable zones corresponding to different bands in the sub-scanning direction. Each zone can apply different irradiation intensities, enabling precise control of curing conditions for multi-path printing while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ultraviolet irradiation system are assigned different functional characteristics, with each region optimized for specific printing requirements. This allows neighboring bands to receive tailored irradiation intensities appropriate to their curing needs, improving printing quality without requiring complete system redesign
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 enables desired printing quality by altering ultraviolet ray intensity in the sub-scanning direction, allowing for matte, gloss, and thick image production by controlling ultraviolet exposure, improving image quality and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
ultraviolet irradiating means mounted on the carriage and including a plurality of light sources arranged in a sub-scanning direction for irradiating ultraviolet rays
Implementation Method 2
discharging ultraviolet-curable ink on a recording medium... irradiating ultraviolet rays on the medium
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording apparatus 1 which is able to print high quality images by changing ultraviolet intensity in the sub-scanning direction. The inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a carriage moving back and forth in the main scanning direction, inkjet heads 5 mounted on the carriage 4 for discharging ink droplets, and an ultraviolet irradiator 6 mounted on the carriage 4 for irradiating ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet irradiators 6 include a plurality of UVLEDs 63 provided on a center of a bottom surface of a concave portion 62 of the irradiators 6 and arranged in the sub-scanning direction, and a plurality of partition walls 64 provided between the UVLEDs 63 and having a flat plate shape extended in the main scanning direction. The ultraviolet intensity in the sub-scanning direction can be changed by controlling each UVLED 63.