Electric Wire Inkjet Printing With Downstream Air Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing on electric wires using an inkjet method is time-consuming due to the slow drying time of ink, which can lead to smudging if subsequent steps are performed before the ink is fully dry.
Innovation Solution
An electric wire printing device that includes an inkjet head for printing, a transportation device for moving the wire, and a drying device positioned downstream of the inkjet head, which blows air towards the printed area to accelerate ink drying. The drying device uses compressed air that flows upstream relative to the wire's transportation direction, enhancing drying efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If inkjet printing is performed on electric wire, then circuit information can be printed on the wire, but the production time increases due to slow ink drying
Solution Approach 1:
The drying device is activated immediately after inkjet printing to begin the drying process without waiting for natural drying, and the transportation device continues moving the wire through the drying zone, performing drying action in advance before subsequent processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
A drying device using air flow is introduced to accelerate ink drying. The device blows air onto the printed portion of the electric wire, using pneumatic force to evaporate the ink solvent and speed up the drying process, thereby reducing production time while maintaining print quality
2Loss of time
If air blowing is used to dry ink, then drying time is reduced, but the air flow may cause ink smudging if not properly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The drying device is positioned to blow air specifically onto the printed portion of the electric wire, applying drying action locally where needed rather than using strong overall air flow that could cause smudging. The air flow is targeted and controlled to match the printed area's location
Solution Approach 2:
The transportation device continues moving the electric wire through the drying device during the drying process. This dynamic approach allows the ink to dry progressively as the wire moves through the air flow, preventing smudging while maintaining efficient drying time
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 device effectively dries the ink on the electric wire in a short time, preventing smudging and reducing the overall production time for electric wires with printed circuit information.
Implementation Method 1
a drying device provided downstream, in a transportation direction of the electric wire, with respect to the inkjet head, the drying device blowing air toward a printed portion on the electric wire
Implementation Method 2
The tubular member includes a supply inlet opened toward the inner space, the supply inlet allowing compressed air to be supplied therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
An electric wire printing device 10 according to the present invention includes an inkjet head 30 injecting ink to perform printing on an electric wire 5; a transportation device 20 transporting the electric wire 5; and a drying device 40 provided downstream, in a transportation direction of the electric wire 5, with respect to the inkjet head 30, the drying device 40 blowing air toward a printed portion on the electric wire 5.