Inkjet printing device with removable flat substrate support device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum flatbed table inkjet printing devices are inefficient as they require multiple machines to handle different substrates, leading to increased calibration and maintenance times, and reduced productivity due to the need for separate devices for each substrate type.
Innovation Solution
A removable stationary flat substrate support device is coupled to the vacuum flatbed table, allowing for easy switching between substrates, enabling the same inkjet printing device to handle various substrates without the need for multiple machines, by using ball transfer units, idler rollers, and treatment means for immobilizing ink, regulating humidity, and applying temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vacuum flatbed table inkjet printing devices are used to handle different substrate types, then each substrate type can be processed with optimized support, but the device complexity and calibration time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal inkjet printing device that can handle multiple substrate types (glass, metal, plastic, paper, etc.) through interchangeable support devices. Instead of having separate printing devices for each substrate type, the system uses a single multi-functional device with removable support devices tailored for specific substrate requirements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the printing device into modular components: a base vacuum flatbed table inkjet printer and interchangeable support devices. Each support device is designed for specific substrate types (e.g., glass support devices, metal support devices), allowing the user to segment and swap support devices based on substrate requirements without changing the entire printing system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vacuum flatbed table inkjet printing devices are used for different substrates, then each substrate receives specialized handling, but productivity decreases due to calibration and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a universal printing device with interchangeable support devices, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate printing devices. This allows a single device to perform all substrate types, maintaining specialized handling capabilities while maximizing productivity through continuous operation without inter-device calibration and maintenance cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different substrate types by allowing quick interchange of support devices during operation. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the system to switch between substrate types without requiring full calibration sequences, thereby maintaining high productivity while handling diverse materials
3Area of stationary object
If a large vacuum flatbed table is used to support large substrates, then the printing capacity is increased, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large vacuum flatbed table for all substrate sizes, the patent segments the support surface into multiple interchangeable support devices of various sizes. Each support device can be selected and attached to match the specific substrate dimensions, providing adequate support area without requiring an oversized permanent table structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the support area by allowing users to attach different sized support devices based on substrate requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to provide large support areas when needed while maintaining a compact base structure, reducing overall device complexity and cost
4Device complexity
If the vacuum flatbed table is used directly to support all substrates, then the structure is simple, but substrates like glass may be damaged during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary support devices (such as glass support devices with soft contact surfaces, or support devices with distributed contact points) that act as mediators between the vacuum flatbed table and fragile substrates like glass. These intermediary devices provide gentle, distributed support that prevents direct contact damage while maintaining vacuum adhesion, thus protecting substrates without significantly increasing structural complexity
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 solution increases productivity by allowing a single inkjet printing device to handle multiple substrate types efficiently, reducing service losses and calibration times, and preventing damage to the vacuum flatbed table, while improving ergonomics and print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum flatbed table (400) configured to support flat substrates (502) with applied vacuum power
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing device includes a vacuum flatbed table configured to support large and flat substrates with applied vacuum power and while printing, in a hold down area, against the vacuum flatbed table; a removable flat substrate support device configured to support large and flat substrates while printing; and a vacuum belt connected to a plurality of pulleys and wrapped around the vacuum flatbed table; wherein the vacuum flatbed table is configured for coupling the removable flat substrate support device stationary to the vacuum flatbed table by applied vacuum power; and the vacuum belt is sandwiched between the removable flat substrate support device and the vacuum flatbed table.