Detachable Arched Web Printer With Positioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional web presses face challenges in scaling printing capabilities and maintaining a smaller footprint while accommodating changes in printing requirements, as they often require complex reconfiguration and inversion of the web for duplex printing.
Innovation Solution
A digital inkjet web printer design that integrates the print engine and dryer into a single unit, featuring a detachable arched printing unit with a positioning system that allows for precise repositioning of print bars and web guides, eliminating the need for web inversion and enabling flexible scaling by adjusting web roller guides and printing arch size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional web presses are used for duplex printing, then printing capabilities are maintained, but the device requires complex reconfiguration and web inversion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inverting the web to achieve duplex printing, the patent inverts the printing arch structure. The arch can be detached and repositioned to print on opposite sides of the web, eliminating the need for web inversion and complex reconfiguration while maintaining duplex printing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system is segmented into a detachable arch component that can be separated from the main body and repositioned. This segmentation allows the arch to be moved to different positions for printing on different sides of the web, simplifying the overall system complexity while enabling versatile duplex printing
2Area of stationary object
If web press footprint is reduced, then space efficiency is improved, but scaling printing capabilities becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The arch is designed as a dynamic, repositionable component that can be moved between different positions and configurations. This dynamic design allows the same compact structure to accommodate different printing requirements and scaling needs without increasing the overall footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable arch serves multiple functions: it can be positioned for single-sided printing, repositioned for duplex printing, and reconfigured for different printing widths. This multi-functionality allows the compact printer to scale its capabilities without requiring additional space
3Adaptability or versatility
If print bars are repositioned for different printing configurations, then adaptability is improved, but positioning precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning pins and guide slots as intermediary elements between the arch and the print bars. These intermediaries provide precise mechanical guidance and constraint, ensuring that when the arch is repositioned, the print bars maintain accurate positioning relative to the web path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with a simpler pin-and-slot mechanical guidance system. This substitution maintains positioning precision while reducing the complexity of reconfiguration, allowing print bars to be accurately repositioned through guided mechanical movement rather than complex adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a web printer includes a base, an arched member detachably supported on the base for supporting a web, and multiple print bars each detachably supported on the arched member. A positioning system is operatively connected between the arched member and the base when the arched member is supported on the base for aligning the arched member to the base. In one embodiment, the web printer also includes a second positioning system operatively connected between each print bar and the arched member when the print bar is supported on the arched member for aligning the print bars to the arched member.