Adjustable Aperture Seals for Variable Substrate Fluid Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing technologies face challenges in applying a priming treatment to substrates of varying sizes and shapes, particularly thick substrates or those requiring fluid application shortly before ink application, as existing methods are not adaptable to different substrate dimensions and may result in uneven ink adhesion or fluid wastage.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable aperture chamber with moveable lateral seal assemblies allows for precise application of fluids to substrates of varying widths, using a pressurized chamber with a flexible inner sheet to prevent fluid damage and ensure uniform coating, and a transfer member like an anilox roller for efficient fluid transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed aperture chamber is used for fluid application, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to substrates of varying sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying substrate sizesVSAvoidchamber structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a moveable lateral seal assembly that can be positioned at different locations along the chamber, transforming the fixed aperture into an adjustable one. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the fluid application width to match varying substrate dimensions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral seal assembly is divided into movable and fixed components, allowing independent adjustment of the movable seal position. This segmentation enables flexible aperture width adjustment without requiring complete chamber redesign, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If fluid is applied under pressure to ensure uniform coating, then coating quality improves, but fluid may leak or cause damage to equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of fluid coatingVSAvoidfluid leakage and equipment damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral seal assembly acts as an intermediary element between the pressurized fluid chamber and the external environment. It contains the pressurized fluid within the chamber while allowing controlled application to the substrate, preventing fluid leakage and equipment damage while maintaining coating uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harmful effect of pressurized fluid leakage into a beneficial contained pressure system. The movable lateral seal allows the pressure to be maintained for uniform coating application while preventing uncontrolled leakage, effectively converting a harmful factor into a controlled beneficial force.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the aperture width is increased to accommodate larger substrates, then versatility improves, but fluid application precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of substrate sizesVSAvoidfluid application precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The movable lateral seal assembly enables dynamic adjustment of the aperture width to match the specific substrate size being processed. Rather than using a fixed large aperture that compromises precision, the system adjusts the aperture width dynamically, maintaining fluid application precision across varying substrate dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 precise and uniform fluid application to substrates of different sizes and shapes, improving ink adhesion and reducing fluid wastage and equipment damage, while maintaining efficient operation and minimizing maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

an aperture in a pressurized or closed chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a flexible inner sheet to prevent fluid damage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

a transfer member like an anilox roller for efficient fluid transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid transfer:

Data Source

PatentUS10118380B2Sealing

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 HP INDIGO BV

AI summary

Certain examples of seals that can move along a slit are disclosed. The seals can comprise a first leaf, a second leaf, and a biasing member to push the first leaf away from the second leaf. Also, apparatus for applying a fluid, and printing systems are described.