Bridged Blanket Sleeve for Offset Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blanket sleeves for offset printing machines suffer from inconsistency in compressibility, mechanical weakness, and short useful life due to operator-dependent fabrication processes and ambient condition variability, leading to inconsistent printing quality and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A bridged blanket sleeve design featuring a single polyurethane blanket layer with microspheres and an intermediate bridge section, allowing for automated production and improved mechanical properties, such as increased wear resistance and reboundability, which extends the sleeve's useful life and reduces production time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional blanket sleeves are made using operator-dependent fabrication processes, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing precision and consistency of compressibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the radial thickness of the compressible layer to be within a specific range (0.002 to 0.006 inches) and adjusting the hardness to 20-40 Shore A. By standardizing these parameters and using automated extrusion processes, the blanket sleeve achieves consistent compressibility and mechanical properties without relying on operator skill, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical fabrication processes with automated extrusion technology. The compressible layer is formed by extruding a polymer material through a die, eliminating the need for manual application and shaping. This substitution of mechanical systems provides precise control over layer thickness and uniformity, improving manufacturing precision while reducing dependence on operator expertise
2Strength
If multiple layers and components are used in blanket sleeve construction, then mechanical strength and durability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a compressible layer (polymer with hardness 20-40 Shore A) and a non-compressible reinforcement layer (polymer with hardness 60-90 Shore D). This composite structure provides both the necessary mechanical strength and durability while maintaining a relatively simple two-layer configuration that can be manufactured using standardized extrusion processes, thus balancing strength requirements with manufacturing simplicity
3Ease of operation
If natural rubber is used for the blanket layer, then flexibility and compressibility are achieved, but resistance to solvents and wear deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter by specifying a polymer material with a hardness range of 20-40 Shore A for the compressible layer. This specific hardness range provides the necessary flexibility and compressibility for effective ink transfer while offering superior resistance to solvents and wear compared to natural rubber. The standardized material specification ensures consistent performance and reliability in resisting degradation from printing solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by layering a compressible polymer layer (20-40 Shore A) over a non-compressible reinforcement layer (60-90 Shore D). The reinforcement layer provides enhanced resistance to solvents and wear, while the compressible layer maintains the necessary flexibility for ink transfer. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties
4Productivity
If conventional fabrication methods are used, then production time varies with operator skill, but productivity and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual fabrication methods with automated extrusion processes. The compressible layer is formed by extruding polymer material through a precision die, and the reinforcement layer is applied using automated coating equipment. This substitution eliminates variability introduced by operator skill levels, ensuring consistent product properties while maintaining high production speeds. The automated process provides uniform thickness and consistent material distribution throughout the blanket sleeve
Solution Approach 2:
The patent standardizes key manufacturing parameters including the radial thickness of the compressible layer (0.002 to 0.006 inches) and the hardness values (20-40 Shore A for compressible layer, 60-90 Shore D for reinforcement layer). By controlling these parameters within specified ranges and using automated processes, the system achieves both high productivity and consistent manufacturing precision, eliminating the variability associated with manual fabrication
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 bridged blanket sleeve achieves consistent compressibility and enhanced mechanical characteristics, significantly extending its useful life and reducing production time and costs, while maintaining high printing quality and ease of automation.
Implementation Method 1
causing the runny polyurethane precursor material to solidify to form a solid, integrally attached polyurethane blanket layer
Implementation Method 2
a first pasty polyurethane material is deposited on the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion... consisting essentially of polyol, a cross-linking agent, and microspheres
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of making a bridged blanket sleeve or bridged blanket mandrel for an offset printing machine or rotary printing machine includes forming an intermediate bridge section between an outermost single blanket layer and an innermost core layer or the outer surface of the mandrel. The intermediate section of the sleeve or mandrel so made can include one or more intermediate bridge layers. A bridged blanket sleeve or a bridged blanket mandrel for an offset printing machine or rotary printing machine includes an intermediate bridge section between an outermost single blanket layer and an innermost core layer or the outer surface of the mandrel. The intermediate section of the sleeve or mandrel can include one or more intermediate bridge layers.