Annular Print System for Can Bodies with Linear Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
In can body printing systems, processing accuracy is compromised due to positional inaccuracies when the moving body follows a curved route, and the linear moving route occupying a significant area increases the system's footprint.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an annular moving route with linear segments and horizontal routes that are parallel and overlapping, allowing the moving body to support a can body on both lateral sides for inspection and processing, and including a discharge unit before paint application to manage defective cans efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a linear moving route is provided to extend in a width direction of the print system, then processing accuracy is improved, but the occupation area of the print system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear moving route extending in the width direction to an annular moving route that utilizes the vertical dimension. The annular route includes a first linear moving route extending from upper side toward lower side and a second linear moving route extending from lower side toward upper side, effectively changing the spatial arrangement from horizontal to vertical orientation. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain processing accuracy while reducing the occupation area in the width direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an annular (curved) moving route configuration instead of a straight linear route. The annular route connects the first and second linear moving routes through curved sections, allowing the moving body to transition between upward and downward directions. This curved configuration optimizes space utilization while maintaining the benefits of linear moving sections for accurate processing.
2Area of stationary object
If processing is performed on the moving body positioned on a moving route with a curvature, then the occupation area is reduced, but processing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the moving route into distinct segments: first linear moving route sections where processing is performed, and curved connecting sections that change direction. By segmenting the route, the system performs processing only on linear sections where positional accuracy is maintained, while curved sections are used solely for directional transitions. This segmentation ensures that processing accuracy is not compromised by curved motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the moving route. The linear moving route sections are optimized for processing operations with high positional accuracy requirements, while the curved connecting sections are optimized for space-efficient directional changes. This local differentiation ensures that processing occurs only where accuracy can be maintained.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a print system including: a moving body supporting a can body and moving; an annular moving route that is an annular-shaped moving route, along which the moving body moves, including at least one of a linear moving route extending from an upper side toward a lower side and is formed linearly, and a linear moving route extending from the lower side toward the upper side and is formed linearly; and an image forming unit performing image formation onto the can body supported by the moving body.