Decorator Ink Temperature Control via Remote Feed Valve

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed decorators face challenges in maintaining ink temperature consistency, leading to spoilage and inefficiencies, and airborne ink issues due to temperature fluctuations, which increases production costs and requires effective temperature control systems that maximize floor space and allow for remote component placement.

Innovation Solution

A decorator temperature control system with a recirculation loop and feeder lines for heating and cooling solutions, controlled by a programmable logic controller, which monitors ink temperature and adjusts the flow of hot or cold solutions to maintain optimal ink temperature through substantial temperature differentials and dead-end solution delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high machine speeds are used to process cans, then productivity is improved, but ink temperature control becomes difficult leading to spoilage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecans processed per minuteVSAvoidink temperature consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors ink temperature and automatically adjusts heating or cooling solution flow rates based on real-time temperature readings, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains consistent ink temperature despite variations in machine speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters (heating/cooling solution flow rates) in response to changing conditions (machine speed, ambient temperature) to maintain optimal ink temperature for high-speed printing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If ink temperature is allowed to rise to match ambient temperature, then ease of operation is improved, but airborne ink particles increase causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink flowabilityVSAvoidairborne ink particles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains ink temperature within an optimal range by dynamically adjusting heating or cooling, preventing the ink from becoming too warm and generating airborne particles while ensuring it remains fluid enough for proper printing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If heating or cooling solution flow is increased to quickly adjust ink temperature, then temperature control speed is improved, but risk of overheating or overcooling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature adjustment speedVSAvoidink temperature precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses continuous temperature monitoring and feedback control to automatically modulate heating and cooling solution flow rates, preventing overheating or overcooling while achieving rapid temperature adjustment when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies heating or cooling solution flow in controlled amounts based on the magnitude of temperature deviation, using full correction only when necessary and partial correction for minor deviations to avoid overshooting the target temperature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Loss of time

If temperature control components are located adjacent to the decorator, then response time is improved, but available floor space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control response timeVSAvoidfloor space adjacent to decorator

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates temperature control components into modular units that can be distributed throughout the facility, with control electronics and monitoring systems positioned remotely while maintaining effective temperature control through strategically placed heating and cooling points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively maintains ink temperature within a desired range, reducing spoilage and airborne ink issues, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs while optimizing space usage.

Implementation Method 1

A recirculation loop is provided and configured to recirculate a solution. A feeder line is provided having a first end received by the recirculation loop and a second end delivering the solution to at least one ink roller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A feed valve is provided between the recirculation loop and the feeder line and proximate the decorator and is configured to control the flow of the solution from the recirculation loop to the feeder line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control: Valve

Implementation Method 3

The feed valve is configured to be controlled from a location remote from the decorator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Temperature Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS7347899B2Decorator temperature control system

Publication Date: 2008.03.25 DAY BENJAMIN F

AI summary

A decorator temperature control system includes a recirculation loop configured to recirculate a solution and a feeder line configured to receive the solution from the recirculation loop and deliver the solution to at least one ink roller on a decorator. A feed valve is located between the recirculation loop and the feeder line and proximate the decorator and is configured to control the flow of the solution from the recirculation loop to the feeder line. The valve is controlled from a location remote from the decorator.