Hot Wire Anemometer for Fountain Solution Thickness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithographic printing systems lack an accurate method to quantify the thickness of the fountain solution layer in digital offset printing, leading to inconsistent image quality due to insufficient or excessive fountain solution application.
Innovation Solution
A method using a hot wire anemometer to measure the flow rate of vaporized fountain solution, correlating it with baseline air flow measurements, and calculating the thickness by considering specific heat, density, and enthalpy values, allowing for real-time thickness determination and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fountain solution layer thickness is not measured and controlled, then the system operates with operator experience-based estimation, but image quality becomes inconsistent due to insufficient or excessive fountain solution application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement methods with thermal field measurement using a hot wire anemometer. The anemometer measures the thermal field changes caused by vaporized fountain solution, indirectly determining layer thickness without physical contact or disruption to the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vaporized fountain solution as an intermediary carrier that transmits thickness information to the measurement system. By measuring the thermal properties of the vapor cloud, the system indirectly obtains data about the liquid fountain solution layer thickness without direct contact.
2Measurement precision
If a direct measurement method is used for fountain solution thickness, then measurement accuracy improves, but the printing process is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with a thermal field-based measurement approach. The hot wire anemometer detects temperature changes in the vapor cloud, providing non-contact measurement that does not interfere with the continuous printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the physical fountain solution layer by measuring the thermal properties of its vapor form. This separation allows measurement without direct interaction with the liquid layer, maintaining process continuity.
3Ease of operation
If operator experience is used to estimate fountain solution amount, then the system is simple to operate, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective operator estimation with objective thermal field measurement. The hot wire anemometer provides quantitative data about fountain solution thickness, eliminating reliance on operator experience while maintaining ease of operation through automated measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where thermal measurement data is continuously monitored and used to control fountain solution application. This automated feedback system replaces manual estimation with precise, real-time measurement and adjustment.
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
Enables precise control of fountain solution thickness, ensuring consistent image quality by accurately measuring and adjusting the solution layer thickness in real-time, thereby minimizing distortions caused by insufficient or excessive fountain solution.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the flow rate of vaporized fountain solution with a hot wire anemometer
Implementation Method 2
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
Implementation Method 3
exposure to a focused radiation source (e.g., a laser light source, high power laser)
Data Source
AI summary
According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided a method of measuring the amount of fountain solution using a hot wire anemometer. Fountain solution thickness is measured using the flow rate of vaporized fountain solution and comparing to baseline air only flow rate. The vaporized measurement is correlated with the baseline utilizing specific heat, density and enthalpy values and keeping velocity of fluid constant. Changes in the measurement will then be related to the specific heat, density and enthalpy. Density can be back calculated to yield volume and knowing the area of the image being printed give a real time thickness value.