Inkjet Print Head Arrangement for Container Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems for containers, especially those using inkjet technology, face limitations in achieving high performance and print quality due to the need for multiple print heads, complex machine arrangements, and interference from air flow, which affects the accuracy and throughput of multi-colored prints on materials like metals, glass, and plastic.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of print heads and treatment stations in a 90° inclined path allows for single-station multicolored printing with a turntable-driven container alignment, reducing the need for re-centering and enabling precise ink application, while a cover shields print heads from UV curing to prevent ink hardening and airflow interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print heads are arranged in series for multi-colored printing, then color printing capability is improved, but machine length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging multiple print heads in a linear sequence (one-dimensional arrangement) to distributing them around a rotating mandrel in a circular pattern (two-dimensional arrangement). This dimensional change allows multiple print heads to operate simultaneously at different angular positions around the container, enabling multi-colored printing without increasing the linear machine footprint. The print heads are positioned at different angles around the mandrel, with each head applying a different color to the rotating container surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If containers are transferred between multiple modules for treatment, then comprehensive treatment is improved, but positioning accuracy and throughput speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple treatment functions (pretreatment, multi-colored printing, and curing) into a single integrated treatment station. The mandrel rotates to bring the container sequentially past different treatment zones within the same station, allowing all treatments to be performed without transferring the container between separate modules. This eliminates re-positioning errors and maintains continuous, accurate container positioning throughout the entire treatment process.
3Productivity
If printing speed is increased for high throughput, then productivity is improved, but print quality deteriorates due to air flow interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cover structure as an intermediary element that encloses the treatment station and creates a controlled atmosphere around the printing area. This cover shields the inkjet print heads and the container surface from external air currents generated by the rapid rotation of the mandrel and container. By isolating the printing zone from turbulent air flow, the system maintains precise ink droplet placement and high print quality even at high throughput speeds.
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 configuration enhances printing precision and throughput by maintaining consistent container positioning, increasing pixel density, and simplifying machine operation, allowing for high-speed, high-quality multi-colored printing on various materials without the need for extensive repositioning or additional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The print heads (7-9) are designed for inkjet printing and have a printing direction essentially perpendicular to the transport direction of the rotating machine. The ink is applied in the form of aerosol drops.
Implementation Method 2
The ink is applied in the form of aerosol drops which impinge on the container (1) to be printed.
Implementation Method 3
The printed container (1) is then moved on to a level at which the printed ink is cured or pinned by UV treatment (6) or other pinning methods.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2F
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
In a device for printing containers by means of inkjet printing on a rotating machine, a plurality of treatment stations (23) have the print heads (7, 8, 9) which are necessary for printing the containers (1). The print heads (7, 8, 9) and optionally further devices (5, 6) which are required for the pre-treatment and post-treatment of the containers (1) are arranged substantially above one another in a track (B) which is preferably inclined by approximately 90° with respect to the transport plane of the containers (1). The machine (1) has transport elements (13) for displacing the containers (1) along the inclined track.