Load Carrier Rods for Substrate Processing Oscillation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing substrate processing devices face challenges in achieving high accuracy during feed movements due to oscillation of conveyor belts, which can lead to inconsistent application of printing ink or coatings, especially when handling massive or large-format substrates.
Innovation Solution
A load carrier system comprising vertically supported and laterally guided rods or plates, with hollow chambers and switchable magnets or vacuum chambers, ensures precise positioning and fixation of substrates during feed movements, minimizing oscillation and maintaining a stable processing surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional conveyor belt is used to transport substrates, then the substrate can be conveyed, but the conveyor belt oscillates during feed movement causing low positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones. Each segment can be adjusted separately to compensate for oscillations, allowing precise positioning of the substrate while maintaining overall conveyor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented to detect the actual position of the substrate and conveyor belt in real-time. Position sensors provide continuous feedback to a control system that adjusts the conveyor belt segments dynamically to eliminate oscillations and maintain accurate positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If the conveyor belt is made more rigid to reduce oscillation, then positioning accuracy improves, but the complexity of the conveyor system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic system with adjustable segments. The segments can be actively controlled to rigidity as needed, providing the necessary stability for positioning while avoiding the complexity of a permanently rigid conveyor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the conveyor belt segments are changed dynamically based on operational requirements. The segments can adjust their rigidity and positioning characteristics through controlled actuation, achieving high fitting accuracy without requiring a permanently complex rigid structure.
3Reliability
If vacuum chambers are used to fix substrates, then substrate fixation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complete vacuum chamber system, localized vacuum zones are created only at specific fixation points on the conveyor belt. This provides reliable substrate fixation where needed while minimizing the overall complexity of the vacuum system by using only essential vacuum chambers and ports.
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 enables accurate and stable feeding of substrates to processing devices, ensuring high-quality application of printing ink or coatings with improved fitting accuracy and reduced oscillation, even for massive or large-format substrates, by using a robust load carrier design with vertical and lateral guidance and negative pressure or magnetic fixation.
Implementation Method 1
with at least a subset of these rods each having at least one hollow chamber... connected to a vacuum chamber... with which a negative pressure can be formed
Implementation Method 2
with switchable magnets... arranged z. B. switchable magnets fixed or at least fixable in position during the feed movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for processing a substrate (31), comprising at least one unit (01; 02; 03; 04) for applying an ink and/or a coating material to the substrate (31), and comprising a conveyor system (06), having a load carrier (07), which moves the substrate (31) in a feed direction (T) relative to the at least one unit (01; 02; 03; 04) for applying the ink and/or coating material to the substrate (31), wherein the load carrier (07) is formed by a plate (47) or a number of rods (14) strung together in the feed direction (T) of the substrate (31) and each extending transversely in relation to the feed direction (T), wherein a number of grooves (29) are formed next to one another along the feed direction (T) of the substrate (31) on the surface of the load carrier (07) provided for carrying the substrate (31), wherein sliding rods (28), each engaging in one of said grooves (29), are arranged at least at one of the ends of the conveyor system (06).