Fountain Solution Thickness Control via Drag Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithographic printing systems are unable to accommodate high-speed variable data printing processes and are sensitive to the amount of fountain solution applied, lacking real-time measurement capabilities, which leads to manual adjustments and print quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling fountain solution thickness on an imaging member surface using a drag force sensor to measure and adjust the dispense rate, ensuring optimal fountain solution layer thickness for digital image forming devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment of fountain solution is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a drag force sensor to continuously monitor the actual fountain solution thickness on the imaging member surface and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts the dispense rate based on the feedback signal, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precise thickness control without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The drag force sensor converts physical fountain solution thickness into an electrical signal, which is then processed by a controller that automatically modulates the dispense rate, substituting human operation with electronic sensing and control.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time measurement is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drag force sensor acts as an intermediary device that indirectly measures fountain solution thickness by sensing the drag force exerted by the fountain solution layer on the imaging member surface. This intermediary measurement approach provides accurate thickness control without requiring direct contact with the fountain solution or complex optical measurement systems.
3Productivity
If automated control is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-regulating, where the drag force sensor automatically detects thickness variations and the controller autonomously adjusts the dispense rate without external intervention. This self-service capability enables high-speed automated operation while maintaining consistent fountain solution thickness control.
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
This approach allows for real-time adjustment of fountain solution thickness, improving print quality by maintaining the desired layer thickness, reducing manual interventions, and enhancing the reliability of high-speed variable data printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a drag force of the fountain solution layer between a sensor head and the fountain solution carrier roller
Implementation Method 2
with the fountain solution layer being a lubricant between the sensor head and the fountain solution carrier roller
Implementation Method 3
An imaging system then evaporates regions of the fountain solution layer in an image area by exposure to a focused radiation source (e.g., a laser light source, high power laser) to form pockets
Data Source
AI summary
A drag force sensor on a fountain solution carrier roller surface measures drag force of a fountain solution layer on the fountain solution carrier roller surface in real-time during a printing operation. The measured drag force is used in a feedback loop to actively control the fountain solution layer thickness by adjusting the volumetric feed rate of fountain solution added onto the imaging member surface during a printing operation to reach a desired uniform thickness for the printing. This fountain solution monitoring system may be fully automated.