UV-LED Print Head for Optical Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print heads for printing optical structures are expensive and difficult to integrate into compact, movable inkjet printers due to the high cost and size requirements of mercury-vapor lamps or lasers used for UV curing.
Innovation Solution
A compact and cost-effective print head incorporating UV-LEDs for curing, with light guide means and focusing optics to efficiently direct ultraviolet light for rapid curing of ink droplets, allowing integration into conventional inkjet printers for rapid printing of optical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mercury-vapor lamps or lasers are used for UV curing, then curing performance is improved, but device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex mercury-vapor lamps or lasers with inexpensive UV-LEDs that have short lifetimes but can be easily replaced. This principle directly addresses the contradiction by using low-cost, short-lived components to achieve the desired curing function without the complexity and high cost of traditional UV sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the UV light source from high-power, long-wavelength sources (mercury-vapor lamps, lasers) to low-power, short-wavelength UV-LEDs. This parameter change enables compact size and low cost while maintaining effective curing through the use of multiple LEDs with specific wavelength characteristics optimized for the photopolymerizable ink.
2Device complexity
If UV-LEDs are used for curing, then device compactness and cost are improved, but curing speed may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple UV-LEDs into a single curing device configuration, combining their light output to achieve sufficient curing intensity. This merging allows the system to maintain compactness and low cost while achieving adequate curing speed through the cumulative effect of multiple LED sources working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous curing action by positioning multiple UV-LEDs to provide overlapping illumination zones, eliminating gaps in UV coverage. This continuous action across the entire droplet area ensures rapid and complete curing without sacrificing the compact design or individual LED power limitations.
3Reliability
If multiple UV-LEDs are used to increase curing power, then curing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UV curing function into multiple independent LED modules, each capable of being controlled and replaced individually. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high total curing power through parallel operation of simple, identical units rather than through a single complex high-power source, thereby improving performance while maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical UV-LED modules that can serve multiple functions: providing UV curing light, acting as individual replaceable units for maintenance, and potentially serving different wavelength requirements. This universality reduces overall device complexity by standardizing components while achieving the desired curing performance through their combined operation.
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
Enables fast and cost-effective printing of complex optical structures by using UV-LEDs for quick curing, reducing installation space and maintenance complexity, while maintaining high curing performance and precision.
Implementation Method 1
the curing device comprises at least one UV-LED (ultraviolet emitting light-emitting diode)
Implementation Method 2
a curing device for curing the at least one deposited droplet
Data Source
AI summary
The inventions relates to a print head for printing optical structures on a substrate comprising an ejection device for ejecting at least one droplet of a printing ink towards the substrate and a curing device for curing the at least one deposited droplet, wherein the curing device comprises at least one UV-LED (ultraviolet emitting light-emitting diode).