Integrated Container Printing and UV Curing Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container printing systems face inefficiencies due to the need for separate steps for ink application and curing, which increases processing time and requires multiple machines, especially when dealing with permeable containers that require UV curing.

Innovation Solution

A device with integrated printing and curing capabilities, featuring multiple print heads arranged in a single plane with UV lamps for immediate curing of ink on the container surface, allowing for continuous printing and curing without the need for additional handling steps, and a mandrel to prevent UV exposure to print heads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate printing and curing machines are used, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the processing time increases and machine space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the printing unit and UV curing unit into a single integrated device. The printing unit applies ink to the container while the UV curing unit immediately cures the ink, eliminating the need for separate machines and reducing processing time. The printing unit includes print heads for applying UV-curable ink, and the curing unit includes UV lamps positioned to cure the ink immediately after application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple outfitting machines are arranged in an aisle, then each machine can perform specialized tasks, but the space requirements increase and the layout becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment functionalityVSAvoidmachine space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions (printing and UV curing) into a single compact device, reducing the space required compared to separate outfitting machines arranged in an aisle. The integrated design allows the printing unit and curing unit to share common structures and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions (printing and curing) simultaneously, making it a universal machine that can handle both tasks that previously required separate specialized machines. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of machines needed in the outfitting line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If UV lamps are positioned close to print heads for immediate curing, then processing time is reduced, but the print heads may be exposed to UV radiation and suffer from ink drying or degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecoration speedVSAvoidprint head functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the print heads from the direct path of UV radiation by positioning them laterally adjacent to the container while the UV lamps are positioned on the opposite side. This separation protects the print heads from UV exposure while maintaining close proximity for efficient curing. The print heads apply ink to one side of the container while UV lamps cure from the other side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The container itself acts as an intermediary that blocks UV radiation from reaching the print heads. The UV lamps are positioned to cure the ink on the container surface without the radiation path intersecting with the print head location, using the container as a natural shield.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If printing speed is increased to meet high output rates, then productivity improves, but the treatment time per container increases requiring larger machine diameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput rateVSAvoidmachine diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous printing and curing operations by integrating the UV curing unit directly with the printing unit. As containers move through the device, ink is applied and immediately cured in a continuous process, maximizing productivity without requiring larger machine diameters or slower treatment times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution significantly reduces processing time by integrating printing and curing, enabling faster decoration of containers while maintaining the quality of UV-curable inks and preventing nozzle clogging, thus enhancing production efficiency and machine utilization.

Implementation Method 1

at least one UV lamp for curing ink applied to the container is arranged in at least one printing plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV curing: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP2762317B1Device for printing containers, and method for same

Publication Date: 2019.03.13 KRONES AG

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Figure 5~6d

AI summary

The printing apparatus has print heads (59-62) which are arranged at preset interval in each pressure plane along outer circumference for applying ink on containers (58). A UV lamp (64) is arranged on one of the pressure plane to emit the UV radiation for curing the applied ink on containers. The annular shields (65) are arranged between the adjacent pressure planes. An independent claim is included for a method for printing on containers.