Contoured Vacuum Flow Path for Dampening Fluid Vapor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithographic printing systems face challenges in achieving high-speed variable data printing due to issues with dampening fluid migration and re-condensation, leading to image streaks and quality problems, particularly at higher process speeds.
Innovation Solution
A dampening fluid recovery system with a contoured vacuum flow path that reduces the flow cross-sectional area at the vapor source location, enabling effective removal and control of dampening fluid vapor without impinging on the imaging surface, allowing for increased process speeds up to 2000 mm/sec while maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional lithographic printing systems are used, then high-quality printing is achieved, but high-speed variable data printing cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the dampening fluid system by introducing a contoured vacuum flow path that modifies vapor removal dynamics. This allows the system to operate at higher speeds while maintaining image quality through optimized vapor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a vacuum-based pneumatic system with a contoured flow path to remove dampening fluid vapor from the imaging surface. This pneumatic approach enables effective vapor removal at high printing speeds without compromising image quality.
2Productivity
If printing process speed is increased, then productivity improves, but dampening fluid vapor migration and re-condensation increase causing image streaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts harmful dampening fluid vapor from the imaging surface using a vacuum flow path. By continuously removing the vapor before it can migrate and re-condense, the system prevents image streaks even at high printing speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The contoured vacuum flow path acts as an intermediary between the vapor source and the vacuum system. It optimizes vapor transport and ensures efficient removal while preventing direct impingement on the imaging surface.
3Reliability
If vacuum flow path cross-sectional area is reduced at vapor source location, then vapor removal efficiency increases, but flow speed control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a contoured flow path with varying cross-sectional areas at different locations. The cross-sectional area is reduced specifically at the vapor source location to maximize vapor removal efficiency, while other portions of the flow path maintain appropriate dimensions for controlled flow.
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 solution effectively minimizes streaks in printed images and enhances image quality by ensuring efficient removal of dampening fluid vapor, enabling high-speed printing without compromising image quality, even at higher process speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the applied layer of dampening fluid is image-wise vaporized according to image data to form a latent image in the dampening fluid layer
Implementation Method 2
The laser used to generate the latent image creates a localized high temperature region that is at about the boiling point of the dampening fluid
Implementation Method 3
A dampening fluid recovery system with a contoured vacuum flow path that reduces the flow cross-sectional area at the vapor source location, enabling effective removal and control of dampening fluid vapor
Implementation Method 4
the base marking material layer in a uniform layer, and may spread across the background region, allowing subsequently applied ink to selectively adhere to the image region
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dampening fluid recovery in an ink-based digital printing system includes a seal manifold having a front seal portion, the front seal portion having an upper wall facing the imaging surface, the upper wall being configured to define an air flow channel with the imaging surface, the upper wall being contoured to form a distance between the upper wall and the imaging surface at an evaporation location that is less than distance between the upper wall and the imaging surface at locations interposing the evaporation location and a vacuum inlet channel of the seal manifold.