Circular Digital Printing System Reducing Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital printing enhancement systems have a large footprint due to their linear configuration, leading to increased shipping costs, storage requirements, complexity, and maintenance expenses.
Innovation Solution
A digital printing enhancement system with multiple modules arranged in a circular configuration around a rotatable drum, where the substrate is secured to the drum's circumference and enhanced by inkjets and curing modules positioned strategically around the drum for efficient application and curing of materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple inkjets are arranged in a linear configuration along an elongated conveyor, then the substrate can be processed sequentially by each inkjet, but the system occupies a large area and increases shipping and storage costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a circular configuration where multiple inkjet nozzles are arranged around a central substrate holder that rotates in a circular path. This curved/spherical arrangement allows all nozzles to converge on a single substrate at different angular positions, reducing the linear footprint while maintaining alignment precision through rotational positioning rather than linear translation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of inkjets along a conveyor to a two-dimensional circular arrangement around a central rotation axis. This dimensional change allows multiple nozzles to be positioned radially around the substrate, enabling simultaneous multi-angle printing while occupying a compact circular footprint instead of an elongated linear space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inkjets are arranged in a linear configuration, then each inkjet can apply different materials, but the system becomes more complex and increases maintenance expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inkjet nozzles and their control systems into a single integrated circular module that rotates with the substrate. Instead of having separate linearly-arranged inkjet systems, all nozzles are combined into one rotating assembly, reducing the number of independent subsystems while maintaining the ability to apply multiple materials through programmable nozzle activation sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic rotational movement to the inkjet assembly, allowing the system to adaptively position any nozzle at any angular position around the substrate. This dynamic reconfiguration replaces the static linear arrangement, enabling versatile material application patterns while simplifying the mechanical structure to a single rotation mechanism rather than multiple linear positioning systems.
3Productivity
If the substrate is conveyed linearly through multiple inkjets, then sequential processing is achieved, but the system requires extensive space for the elongated conveyor and collector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear conveyor path with a circular rotation path for the substrate holder. The substrate rotates in a circle around a central axis where multiple inkjet nozzles are positioned radially. This circular configuration allows sequential processing by different nozzles while occupying a compact circular area instead of an elongated linear conveyor space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the substrate transport from one-dimensional linear conveyance to two-dimensional circular rotation around a vertical axis. This dimensional transformation allows multiple processing stations (inkjets) to be arranged radially around the rotation path, enabling sequential processing within a compact footprint rather than requiring linear extension of the conveyor.
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 configuration reduces the system's footprint, simplifies manufacturing and maintenance, and allows for more efficient and cost-effective printing enhancement processes by enabling precise alignment and application of multiple layers on the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
an inkjet system for producing high-definition images. The ink system comprises a drum for rotationally conveying a recording medium while holding the recording medium and a conveyance mechanism to return the recording medium to the drum at a return position
Implementation Method 2
a print system for depositing a curable adhesive onto a first surface of a substrate in a pre-determined pattern, placing topping material onto the substrate with the deposited adhesive, and applying UV energy to the substrate including the deposited adhesive and the placed topping material to cause curing of the deposited adhesive
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject matter discloses a printing enhancement system, comprising one or more printing enhancement modules configured to perform a printing enhancement operation on a substrate, a drum configured to carry the substrate, said drum is connected to a drum actuation mechanism configured to move the drum at a rotational movement, a processing module coupled to the drum actuation mechanism and to the one or more printing enhancement modules, wherein the processing module sends commands to the drum actuation mechanism to move the drum and sends commands to the one or more printing enhancement modules to dispense the materials according to a printing enhancement task, wherein the one or more printing enhancement modules are arranged around a circumference of the drum, wherein the rotational movement enables to bring the substrate closer to a selected printing enhancement module of the one or more printing enhancement modules.