Flexible ITM Markers for Digital Printing Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital printing systems face challenges in accurately controlling the deposition of ink droplets on flexible intermediate transfer members (ITMs) due to variations in the ITM's velocity, tension, and length, which affects the precision of the printed images.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flexible ITM with integrated markers and sensing assemblies, where the markers are engraved in multiple layers and configured to receive ink droplets, and the sensing assemblies produce signals indicative of the markers' positions, allowing a processor to control the deposition of ink droplets accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ITM is made flexible to accommodate substrate variations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to velocity and tension variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect the actual position and velocity of the flexible ITM in real-time, then feeding this information back to the control system. The control system adjusts ink droplet deposition timing and amount based on this feedback, compensating for velocity and tension variations to maintain manufacturing precision while preserving the flexibility of the ITM.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ink deposition system adaptive and responsive rather than rigid. The deposition system dynamically adjusts its parameters (timing, position, quantity of ink droplets) in response to changing ITM conditions, allowing the system to maintain precision despite the flexible nature of the ITM and its variations in velocity and tension.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time sensing is added to control ITM position, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing sensing assemblies that serve multiple functions: they detect ITM position, velocity, and tension characteristics simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each parameter, thereby improving manufacturing precision while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensing and control functions into an integrated system. The sensing assemblies are combined with the ink deposition mechanism, allowing real-time position detection to directly control the deposition process. This integration reduces the complexity that would arise from separate independent systems and enables precise control through coordinated operation.
3Strength
If multiple layers are used in the ITM to improve durability, then strength is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to marker positioning difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by positioning markers at specific interfaces between layers rather than within the bulk of a single layer. This segmentation approach allows the markers to be located at measurable positions that indicate the cumulative position of multiple layers, enabling accurate measurement of the ITM's total position while maintaining the multi-layer structure for strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses markers as intermediary elements that bridge the multiple layers. These markers are positioned at layer interfaces and serve as reference points that can be detected by sensing assemblies. The markers act as intermediaries that translate the physical position of the multi-layer ITM into measurable signals, solving the problem of measuring precision in a multi-layer structure.
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 enhances the precision of digital printing by accurately controlling the placement of ink droplets on the ITM, leading to improved image quality and reduced complexity in the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more sensing assemblies are disposed at one or more respective predefined locations relative to the ITM, and are configured to produce signals indicative of respective positions of the markers
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate transfer member (ITM) configured for receiving ink droplets to form an ink image thereon, for transferring the ink image to a target substrate, and for moving along a continuous path, the ITM including: (i) first and second longitudinal edges extending along a longitudinal axis of the ITM; and (ii) one or more guiding elements, arranged along at least one of the first and second longitudinal edges and configured to engage with a guiding subsystem of a printing system, so as to move the ITM along the continuous path, at least one of the guiding elements includes one or more markers positioned at one or more respective marking locations along the respective guiding element.