UV Printing Device Dual Nozzle Ink Distribution
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing devices using ultraviolet curable ink struggle to form printed products with varying characteristics suitable for different applications, such as flexibility, adhesiveness, abrasion resistance, and weather resistance, as they lack the ability to selectively adjust the ink composition and curing processes based on specific requirements.
Innovation Solution
A printing device with dual nozzle rows that eject ultraviolet curable inks of different characteristics, allowing for selection of print modes that adjust the ratio of ink distribution based on the desired properties, and incorporating a curing system with actual and temporary curing sections to optimize ink spreading and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single type of ultraviolet curable ink is used, then the printing process is simple, but the printed product cannot achieve different characteristics (flexibility, adhesiveness, abrasion resistance, weather resistance) for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The printing device segments the ink ejection function by providing multiple nozzle rows (first nozzle row and second nozzle row) that eject different types of ultraviolet curable inks with different characteristics. This allows selective application of appropriate ink types for different applications without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing device achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple nozzle rows capable of ejecting different ink types into a single device. The control section enables universal operation across different applications by selecting appropriate ink combinations and print modes, making one device serve multiple purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of ultraviolet curable inks with different characteristics are used, then printed products can be tailored for different applications, but the printing device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different nozzle rows are assigned specific ink types with locally optimized characteristics for particular applications. The control section enables local quality adjustment by selecting which nozzle rows to activate based on the desired print characteristics, allowing tailored output without requiring complete system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing device incorporates dynamic control through the control section, which can selectively activate different nozzle rows and adjust print parameters based on the desired output characteristics. This dynamic selection capability allows the system to adapt to different applications without permanent physical reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ink distribution ratio is fixed, then the printing process is simple, but the printed product characteristics cannot be optimized for different uses
Solution Approach 1:
The control section enables parameter changes by adjusting the ink distribution ratio between different nozzle rows based on the desired print characteristics. Different print modes with different ink distribution ratios can be selected to optimize flexibility, adhesiveness, abrasion resistance, or weather resistance as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink distribution ratio is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the control section to adjust the proportion of ink from different nozzle rows based on the selected print mode and application requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimization of printed product characteristics for different uses.
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 the formation of printed products with tailored characteristics by adjusting the ink distribution ratio and curing processes, enhancing flexibility, adhesiveness, and durability, thus meeting the specific needs of various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation section configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays to cure the ultraviolet curable ink that was ejected from the nozzle and that landed on the print medium
Data Source
AI summary
A printing device includes a head unit; a movement section configured to relative movement of the print medium and the head unit; an irradiation sections of ultraviolet rays; and a storage section, wherein it has, as nozzle rows, a first nozzle row which ejects the first ink of the first color and a second nozzle row which ejects the second ink of the first color having different characteristics from the first ink, the storage section is configured to store a plurality of print modes in which having different ratios between the print duty of the first ink and the print duty of the second ink, and when print data includes first color data to be printed using ultraviolet curable ink of the first color, it is configured to distribute into the first ink and the second ink based on the ratio of a selected print mode and then print.