Indirect Printing System Intermediate Transfer Member Threading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indirect inkjet printing systems face challenges with condensation on print heads and satellite ink drops causing image distortion, as well as difficulties in installing and replacing the intermediate transfer member due to buckling and obstruction.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a blowing mechanism with varying gas flow rates to prevent condensation and merge satellite droplets with parent droplets, and a threading mechanism using synchronized drive members with grippers to maintain longitudinal tension and avoid buckling during installation of the intermediate transfer member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the intermediate transfer member is threaded through narrow gaps between print heads and support system, then the printing system can operate, but the strip buckles and encounters obstruction during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The strip is pre-tensioned before threading through the narrow gaps. The tensioning device applies longitudinal tension to the strip in advance, preventing buckling when the strip encounters obstructions during the threading process through narrow gaps between print heads and support system.
Solution Approach 2:
A tensioning device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the strip and the threading path. This device maintains controlled longitudinal tension on the strip, serving as a mediator that prevents buckling while allowing the strip to be threaded through narrow gaps without direct contact that would cause obstruction.
2Manufacturing precision
If gas flow is introduced between print heads and intermediate transfer member, then condensation and satellite droplets are prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Gas flow is applied locally only in the specific gap region between print heads and the intermediate transfer member where condensation and satellite droplets occur. The blowing mechanism targets precisely the area needing intervention, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption in other regions of the printing system.
Solution Approach 2:
A blowing mechanism using gas flow (pneumatics) is employed to prevent condensation and merge satellite droplets with parent droplets. The gas flow creates a protective air barrier in the gap region, using pneumatic principles to control droplet behavior and prevent image quality degradation.
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
The solution effectively prevents condensation on print heads and satellite droplet issues, ensuring image quality and simplifies the installation of the intermediate transfer member by maintaining tension and avoiding buckling.
Implementation Method 1
indirect inkjet printing systems face challenges with condensation on print heads
Implementation Method 2
merge satellite droplets with parent droplets
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member (ITM) in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on ITM, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. Two drive members are provided for movement in synchronism with one another. Rotation of the drive members during installation of a new ITM serves to thread the strip through the printing system by pulling the strip from its leading end. Alternatively or additionally, indirect printing system comprising the ITM and an image forming station at which droplets of ink are applied to the ITM to form ink images thereon is disclosed. One or more blowing mechanisms (e.g. associated with the image forming station) are disclosed herein.