Blanket Temperature Control Using Coverage Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offset printing technologies face inaccuracies in temperature measurement of printing blankets due to non-uniform print agent coverage, leading to potential underdrying or overdrying of the print agent, which affects print quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a non-contact temperature sensor and a controller that takes into account both the sensor's output and coverage information to accurately estimate the blanket's surface temperature, using compensation data to adjust for the effects of print agent coverage, thereby enabling real-time temperature regulation during printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a non-contact temperature sensor is used to monitor blanket temperature, then temperature measurement is enabled without interrupting the printing process, but measurement precision deteriorates due to non-uniform print agent coverage affecting electromagnetic radiation monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using a non-contact temperature sensor to continuously monitor blanket temperature and feeding this information back to a controller. The controller then adjusts drying parameters based on the measured temperature, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains accuracy despite varying print agent coverage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes the raw temperature sensor data in conjunction with print agent coverage information. This intermediary processing step compensates for the distorting effects of non-uniform coverage on electromagnetic radiation monitoring, separating the actual temperature signal from the interference caused by varying ink layers.
2Measurement precision
If temperature measurement is performed through print agent coverage variations, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to underdrying or overdrying of print agent
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from the temperature sensor to continuously adjust drying parameters. By monitoring the blanket temperature and comparing it against target values, the system can prevent both underdrying and overdrying conditions, maintaining consistent print quality throughout the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts drying parameters based on real-time temperature measurements and print agent coverage information. This dynamic control allows the drying process to adapt to varying conditions, ensuring optimal drying quality regardless of changes in print density or blanket temperature fluctuations.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of temperature measurement and control, reducing errors in print agent drying and improving overall print quality by ensuring precise temperature management without interrupting the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact temperature sensor to monitor electromagnetic radiation from a measurement location of the blanket and generate a respective output
Data Source
AI summary
Offset print apparatus comprises: a blanket to receive print agent; a non-contact temperature sensor to monitor electromagnetic radiation from a measurement location of the blanket and generate a respective output; and a controller to: receive the output from the non-contact temperature sensor; determine coverage information relating to a print agent coverage of the blanket at the measurement location; and calculate a temperature of the blanket at the measurement location taking into account both the output from the non-contact temperature sensor and the determined coverage information.