Cylindrical Object Printing With Mandrel-Loading Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems for cylindrical objects require complex and costly transport turrets with precise and rigid mandrels to maintain high pressure for ink transfer, leading to high manufacturing costs and potential deflection issues.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a stationary impression platen applies force to ensure rolling contact between cylindrical objects and an imaging surface, using a flexible drive member and an Intermediate Transfer Member (ITM) to simplify the design and reduce costs, allowing for adaptable and efficient ink transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid transport turret with precise mandrels is used to maintain high pressure for ink transfer, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid mandrels with a flexible Intermediate Transfer Member (ITM) that can conform to the cylindrical objects. The ITM is an elastomeric blanket that flexes to wrap around the objects while maintaining sufficient contact pressure for ink transfer, eliminating the need for complex rigid transport turrets and precise mandrel positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical rigid mandrel system with a flexible ITM system that uses elastic deformation and friction to achieve the same ink transfer function. The ITM is driven by friction from the rotating cylindrical objects themselves, replacing complex mechanical drive mechanisms with a simpler friction-based system.
2Reliability
If a rigid transport turret is used to ensure stable ink transfer, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible ITM can be easily manufactured as a continuous elastomeric blanket and replaced if worn, without requiring precision machining of rigid mandrels. The simplicity of manufacturing flexible blankets compared to precision rigid components significantly improves ease of manufacture while maintaining reliable ink transfer through consistent elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The ITM is designed as a consumable component that can be replaced relatively inexpensive when worn or contaminated. This approach is more economical than maintaining and repairing expensive rigid transport turrets and precision mandrels, improving ease of manufacture and operational flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If high pressure is applied to ensure ink transfer, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible ITM maintains consistent contact pressure with the cylindrical objects through its elastic properties and friction-based engagement. The pressure is generated passively by the friction drive mechanism and the elastic recovery of the ITM material, eliminating the need for complex active pressure control systems, actuators, or rigid pressure-applying mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ITM system is self-regulating in terms of pressure application. The friction drive and elastic properties of the ITM automatically adjust the contact pressure based on the object diameter and surface conditions, without requiring external control systems. The system self-adjusts to maintain optimal ink transfer pressure across varying conditions.
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 reduces the complexity and cost of the printing system by eliminating the need for a rigid transport turret, enabling efficient ink transfer and adaptability to various object sizes and shapes while minimizing defects.
Implementation Method 1
the surface of the object makes rolling contact with the imaging surface, thereby causing the ink image on the imaging surface to be impressed on the surface of the object
Implementation Method 2
a stationary impression platen is provided within the nip region of the impression station on the opposite side of the objects from the imaging surface, the impression platen being configured to apply a force, directly or by way of the mandrel, to the objects to ensure rolling contact between the objects and the imaging surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed for printing images on generally cylindrical objects. The apparatus comprises an impression station that includes a movable imaging surface for bearing an ink image; and a transport mechanism for advancing the objects through the impression station, comprising a drive member rotatably connected to a plurality of rotatable mandrels, each for mounting a respective one of the objects, the transport mechanism being configured to cause each object to rotate during passage through the impression station such that, within a nip region of the impression station, the surface of the object makes rolling contact with the imaging surface, thereby causing the ink image to be impressed on the object. An impression platen is provided opposite the imaging surface within the nip region, the impression platen being configured to apply a force, directly or indirectly, to the objects to ensure rolling contact between the objects and the imaging surface.