EPDM Roller Steam Cleaning via Coanda Air Curtains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing technologies face challenges in achieving effective ink adhesion on various media types, particularly with cut sheet media, where the efficiency of In-Line Priming (ILP) systems decreases due to unwetted areas and the interaction of paper dust with residual primer, leading to clogged components and reduced roller functionality.
Innovation Solution
An In-Line-Primer system that uses a steam cleaning method with micro-fiber cloths or belts, guided by air curtains utilizing the Coanda effect, to efficiently clean the EPDM roller surface during the printing process, preventing primer residue buildup and maintaining roller efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If In-Line Priming is performed on cut sheet media, then a wider selection of media types can be used, but priming efficiency decreases due to unwetted areas and variable sheet sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic cleaning cycles during the printing process to remove primer residue from the roller surface. This periodic maintenance action ensures that the priming system maintains consistent performance across varying media types and sheet sizes, resolving the efficiency degradation issue while preserving media versatility
2Reliability
If cleaning is performed frequently to maintain roller efficiency, then primer residue buildup is prevented, but printing downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables cleaning operations to occur during the printing process itself, allowing the cleaning mechanism to operate continuously or periodically without interrupting media feeding or printing. This maintains roller functionality while preserving printing productivity through overlapping operations
3Reliability
If steam cleaning is applied to remove primer residue, then roller surface is effectively cleaned, but thermal damage may occur to the EPDM roller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies steam cleaning selectively to specific areas of the roller surface where primer residue accumulates, rather than uniformly heating the entire roller. This localized application maintains cleaning effectiveness while minimizing thermal exposure and preventing damage to the EPDM roller material
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 steam cleaning method effectively removes primer residue and paper dust, maintaining the EPDM roller's functionality, allowing for continuous printing and expanding the range of usable media types by preventing downtime and ensuring consistent primer application.
Implementation Method 1
A stream of cleaning fluid can be provided that is of any of the phases: a gas phase, a liquid phase or both
Implementation Method 2
at least one barrier unit can be provided to confine the steam flow to a portion of the surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to cleaning a surface in a printing device, wherein a guiding member directs a stream of cleaning fluid towards the surface; and at least one barrier unit to confine the stream of cleaning fluid to a portion of the surface, wherein the at least one barrier unit guides air to provide at least one air curtain confining said stream of cleaning fluid to the portion of the surface.