UV Curing Reflector Cooling via Water Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink curing apparatuses face inefficiencies due to inadequate cooling systems, leading to increased power input, reduced maintenance efficiency, and compromised product quality from contaminant ingress, especially when air cooling is used and residual heat is retained by shutters and reflectors.
Innovation Solution
The design features extensive air passages along the surface area of reflectors and shutters, enhanced cooling of the rear reflector face, and a moveable reflector system with a drive-pin/fixing pin arrangement to allow expansion without pressure, along with an air inlet positioned away from the curing aperture to minimize contaminant entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air cooling is used to cool the apparatus, then the cooling effect is provided, but contaminants are pulled into the apparatus from the substrate reducing product quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of air cooling (contaminant ingress) by replacing it with an alternative cooling method. Water cooling channels are integrated into the housing and reflector structures, removing the need for air to flow through the curing chamber, thereby eliminating contaminant contamination while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary cooling medium instead of using air directly. Water circulates through closed-loop channels in the housing and reflectors, acting as a mediator that transfers heat away from the apparatus without introducing contaminants into the curing environment.
2Loss of energy
If the lamp power is reduced in standby mode to reduce heat retention, then heat absorption by shutter is reduced, but the time and power needed to resume curing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary cooling action by continuously circulating water through the shutter and reflector channels even during standby mode. This preliminary cooling prevents excessive heat accumulation, allowing the lamp to be quickly restarted without waiting for extensive heat dissipation, thereby reducing resume time while managing heat retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system operates continuously rather than intermittently, maintaining a steady state of heat removal. The water circulation system remains active during standby, ensuring that heat buildup is continuously managed, which enables faster transition back to full operating power without thermal delays.
3Temperature
If extensive air passages are added to cool reflectors and shutters, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the structural components of the apparatus. Water cooling channels are integrated directly into the housing walls and reflector bodies, combining thermal management with structural support functions. This eliminates the need for separate cooling assemblies and reduces overall system complexity while achieving effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and reflector structures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, direct UV radiation, and simultaneously act as heat sinks with embedded water channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated cooling components, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining effective thermal management.
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 results in improved cooling efficiency, reduced power input, faster startup times, and higher UV power output, while maintaining product quality and reducing maintenance costs by effectively managing heat retention and contaminant exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a lamp to direct UV radiation onto a substrate to cure ink
Implementation Method 2
the housing usually contains a cooling system to compensate for the intense heat emitted from the lamp
Implementation Method 3
an air/water channel runs longitudinally through the reflector
Data Source
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AI summary
An ink curing apparatus (11) comprising a UV light source (13); at least one moveable shutter means (17, 17a), which is moveable about the longitudinal axis of the UV light source (13); and at least one reflector (15); wherein at least one air passage (19a) is defined along substantially the entire surface area of the or each reflector (15).