Inkjet Printing Module Positioning via Automatic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wide format printing machines with multiple inkjet printing modules are inefficient when only partial web width printing is required, as they incur unnecessary costs and maintenance due to unused modules, and previous solutions either require multiple positioning devices or lack adaptability to different printing jobs.
Innovation Solution
A printing machine with independently movable inkjet printing modules along a shared transverse guide, allowing for precise positioning and easy addition/removal of modules, using a single positioning device and automatic coupling mechanism, and incorporating a system for inkjet printing modules and optional curing/drying modules to optimize module placement and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple inkjet printing modules are used to cover the entire web width, then printing coverage is improved, but cost and maintenance complexity increase when only partial web width printing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The inkjet printing modules are made dynamically positionable along the web width direction through a transverse movement mechanism. This allows the system to adapt the active printing area dynamically based on the specific printing job requirements, enabling partial web width printing without requiring a fixed array of modules covering the entire width.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system is divided into independent, movable inkjet printing modules that can be selectively positioned and activated. Instead of a fixed continuous printing array, the system uses discrete modules that can be independently controlled and moved to different transverse positions, allowing only the necessary portions to be active during each printing operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple positioning devices are used for each inkjet printing module, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple positioning functions are merged into a single integrated positioning device that can control the transverse movement of all inkjet printing modules. This centralized positioning mechanism eliminates the need for separate positioning devices for each module, reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning precision through coordinated control of the shared positioning system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Printing machine, for printing a laminar web, comprising a feeding unit (10) defining a printing area (A); an inkjet printing station (20) comprising a plurality of inkjet printing modules (21) slidably arranged along a transverse guide (22); a positioning device (30) adapted to precisely slide the inkjet printing modules (21) along the transverse guide (22); wherein each inkjet printing module (21) includes a first coupling (31) and is independent from other inkjet printing modules (21) allowing an independent movement of each inkjet printing module (21) along the transverse guide (22); and the positioning device (30) includes a second coupling (32) complementary to each first coupling (31), the second coupling (32) being releasably engageable to each first coupling (31) in an automatic manner, the positioning device (30) being configured to precisely slide each inkjet printing module (21) engaged thereto, along the transverse guide (22).