UV Curing Nozzle Shielding via Smoke Curtain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printing apparatuses using ultraviolet-curable ink face nozzle clogging issues due to ultraviolet ray reflection and scattering, leading to ink discharge failures and deteriorated printing quality.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with a smoke supply unit that generates a smoke curtain between the ultraviolet irradiation unit and the nozzle surface to shield ultraviolet rays, preventing nozzle clogging and ensuring consistent ink discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If ultraviolet irradiation unit is used to cure ultraviolet-curable ink, then ink curing and printing quality are improved, but ultraviolet ray reflection and scattering cause nozzle clogging and ink discharge failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidnozzle discharge reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a smoke supply unit that generates smoke as an intermediary substance to block the path of reflected and scattered ultraviolet rays from reaching the nozzle surface. The smoke acts as a mediator between the ultraviolet irradiation unit and the head, preventing harmful UV rays from causing ink curing on the nozzle surface while allowing the printing process to continue normally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of ultraviolet ray reflection and scattering (which causes nozzle clogging) into a beneficial outcome by using the same ultraviolet irradiation unit's byproduct (reflected/scattered rays) as the target for smoke shielding. The smoke curtain transforms the harmful scattered UV rays into a controlled shielding mechanism that protects the nozzle while maintaining the curing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If mask plate is provided on nozzle surface to shield ultraviolet rays, then nozzle clogging is prevented, but ultraviolet rays still reach nozzle surface from gaps between mask plate and recording medium

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle discharge reliabilityVSAvoidultraviolet ray exposure to nozzle surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional mask plate approach (which leaves gaps at the edges) to a three-dimensional smoke curtain approach. The smoke supply unit introduces a volumetric shielding medium that fills the space between the ultraviolet irradiation unit and the nozzle surface, eliminating the gap problem inherent in flat mask plates and providing complete coverage from all angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If smoke is supplied to shield ultraviolet rays from nozzle surface, then nozzle clogging is prevented, but smoke may interfere with ultraviolet ray curing of ink on recording medium

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle discharge reliabilityVSAvoidultraviolet ray curing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by directing smoke specifically to the region between the ultraviolet irradiation unit and the nozzle surface, while avoiding the region where ink curing occurs on the recording medium. The smoke supply unit is positioned and controlled to create a localized smoke curtain that shields only the harmful reflected/scattered UV paths without interfering with the primary curing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 smoke curtain effectively shields ultraviolet rays from reaching the nozzle surface, preventing clogging and improving printing quality by maintaining reliable ink discharge and curing processes.

Implementation Method 1

a smoke supply unit configured to supply smoke to a part of an advancing path, from the ultraviolet irradiation unit to the nozzle surface, of an ultraviolet ray irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit and entering the nozzle surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

record an image, a text and the like by using ultraviolet-curable ink curing and changing from a liquid to a solid by ultraviolet ray irradiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS10589529B2Printing apparatus and printing method

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes: a head including a nozzle disposed on a nozzle surface and configured to discharge ultraviolet-curable ink onto a recording medium; first and second irradiation units as an ultraviolet irradiation unit configured to irradiate the ultraviolet-curable ink discharged onto the recording medium with an ultraviolet ray; and a smoke supply unit configured to supply smoke to a part of an advancing path from the first and second irradiation units to the nozzle surface of an ultraviolet ray irradiated from the first and second irradiation units and entering the nozzle surface.